The Clinton Police Department will host their annual "Take Back Initiative" later this month.

The "Take Back Initiative" gives anyone with unused prescription drugs or any other unused medication to dispose of it in a safe way. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy says prior to the implementation of this program several years ago, his department would see one or two deaths a year from young people overdosing on leftover prescription drugs or unused drugs in a medicine cabinet.

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The "Take Back Initiative" this year is Saturday April 28th. However, the program is not just a one day event. Chief Reidy explains the Police Department has a container that anyone can come in and drop off any unwanted drugs, not just April 28th. He explains his department has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency to properly dispose of the drugs.

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Chief Reidy feels this is the safest option available. He says any other methods of disposing drugs can lead the chemicals, not generally treated for, back into the eco-system. He says handing them over to the DEA ensures the drugs are properly disposed of.

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The "Take Back Initiative" will hold a collection Saturday April 28th from 9-11 am at Clinton City Hall. This year Clinton Police Officers will be out on the curbs collecting the drugs. Chief Reidy says this program is open for any resident in any location. He says it is better to have unused drugs in the hands of the proper authorities rather than having them in cabinets exposed to the wrong hands.