New Philadelphia, Ohio – The Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition is emphasizing the importance of proper drug disposal, especially during the holiday season.

Coordinator Jodi Salvo says the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can bring more people in and out of homes, which is why it's so important to properly dispose of any leftover prescription drugs.

“By not properly disposing of unwanted or unused prescription drugs you are increasing the risk that they end up in the wrong hands,” she says.

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The same study also found that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from home medicine cabinets. 

Medication can be disposed of during the group's countywide Drug Take Back events in April and October or year-round at the following permanent drop-off locations:

Dennison Police Department  - 302 Grant St., 2nd Floor (Call 740-922-3131 prior to drop-off 
Newcomerstown Police Department  - 124 W. Church St. (Call 740-498-6161 prior to drop-off)
New Philadelphia Police Department - 122 2nd Street. SE
Strasburg Police Department - 358 5th St. 
Sugarcreek Police Department - 126 S. Broadway (Call 330-852-2212 prior to drop-off)
Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office (Lobby) - 2295 Reiser Avenue SE

For more information contact Jodi Salvo, Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition Coordinator, at 330-440-7320.