CADIZ — Residents will have multiple opportunities to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications this month in Harrison County.

National Drug Take Back Day is coming to the county with numerous dates set at pharmacies in Cadiz and Scio. Sheriff Joe Myers made the announcement last week that the department will set up containers at three county pharmacies to collect expired or unwanted prescriptions.

— Neimayer Pharmacy – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 and 23 in Scio;

— Rite-Aid Pharmacy – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 and 24 in Cadiz;

— Custer Pharmacy – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 and 24 in Cadiz.

Myers said the dates were extended this year to accommodate residents who may be busy the first day of the drug take back event. He said they have found that holding the take back on more than one day has been ideal to allow residents more options.

“So we try to run it two weekends in a row that way it gives them the opportunity to get rid of their unwanted drugs,” he said.

Myers said the department has a box available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the sheriff’s office located along Court St. in Cadiz. Rite-Aid also has a box available throughout the year during pharmacy hours where people can dispose of their unwanted drugs. Additionally, deputies will set up a box at the armory along E. Market St., now that some of the sheriff’s staff has moved to the new location.

A box will be available at the armory this weekend and next weekend.

Harrison County Health Department Administrator Garen Rhome said it is important that unused prescription drugs be removed from homes and properly disposed of. He said prescription drugs are abused more so than illicit or illegal drugs.

“Painkillers and opioid drugs are a lot of people’s pathway into drug abuse or addiction,” he said. “Prescription drugs are treated as safer, and of course they’re only safer when used as recommended by a doctor — if they’re used more often than what is prescribed for you, that’s going to potentially lead to more serious consequences with drug abuse or addiction.”

The drug take back dates are the perfect opportunity for residents to rid their cabinets of unwanted prescription medications, Rhome added.

“We just want to remind people to check their cupboards, check their cabinets, check dresser drawers or wherever you might keep prescription medicines and make the decision to get rid of it and dispose of it properly,” he said.

Any unwanted prescription medications will be accepted at the drop-off locations.