Provo City now has another weapon in its arsenal against prescription drug abuse--a drop-off box for unused medication in the waiting area of the Provo City Police Department, 48 S. 300 West. The city recently received Drug Enforcement Administration approval for the disposal site just in time for Clean Out the Cabinet Month, a Utah County Division of Substance Abuse initiative encouraging proper use, storage and disposal of prescription drugs to prevent abuse.

According to www.cleanoutthecabinet.org, Utah leads the nation in prescription drug abuse, and 70% of those who abuse say they get the drugs from others, typically without their knowledge. Members of the public can avoid contributing to the problem by properly disposing of medication after it is no longer needed.

One way to do that is by dropping off the medication at the Provo City Police Department or one of eight similar disposal sites around the county. Unused medication can also be taken to local Walgreens pharmacies during Take Back Events throughout April. The Take Back Event at the Provo Walgreens, 1315 N. State St., will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Medication can also be disposed of at home by mixing it with something repulsive like cat litter and then throwing it in the trash. More information about proper disposal of prescription drugs is available at www.cleanoutthecabinet.org.