The Cole County Sheriff's Department and the Regional West Fire Protection District will sponsor a drug take-back event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 25 at Regional West Fire Station 3, 609 Apache Trail.
According to authorities, a study from 2013 shows kids from the age of 12-17 abuse prescription drugs more than ecstasy, heroin, crack/cocaine and methamphetamine combined. Almost one in four teens in America say they have misused or abused a prescription drug.
The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is being used again this year.
The system is a bag where the pills are dumped and water is added, the bags are sealed and thrown away.
The solution in the bag safely deactivates medications, making the bags safe to be dumped into landfills.
"Juveniles using prescription pills remains a big concern for us," Capt. John Wheeler said. "It's not safe for pills to be flushed down the toilet or left in medicine cabinets where children can get a hold of them.
"Drugs have a lifespan and can become dangerous if not disposed of in a timely manner."