Safely dispose of unwanted medications

In particular, prescription drug abuse by teens is on the rise, said Desiree Compton, project coordinator with the Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. “Teens are accessing drugs in their own homes. It’s as easy as walking to the medicine cabinet,” she said.

Twelve to 17 year-olds' abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine combined, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Every day, 2,500 teenagers use prescription drugs for the first time to get high.

“Safe and proper disposal can help keep those drugs out of the wrong hands,” said Compton.

The collection site will be supervised by Capt. Dennis Casanovas, with Alaska State Troopers. Immediately following the event, the medications will be taken off site, weighed and incinerated.

To protect privacy, participants are asked to remove or black out personal information on medication bottles.