RUMFORD — According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, every day approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Maine has one of the highest incidence rates of prescription drug abuse in the country. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the DEA, in conjunction with the state and local law enforcement agencies, is holding the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

The first national collection day was held last fall. During this event, the collaborative effort in the State of Maine resulted in the collection of 7820 pounds of prescription drugs, ranking Maine #1 in the U.S. collection effort based on population.

In the River Valley area collections will take place at the Mexico Town Office, the Dixfield Town Office, Dixfield Police Station, Rumford Police Station, Rumford Hannaford and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office on Mayville Road in Bethel.

Medicines that will be accepted include expired or unwanted prescriptions, vitamins, veterinary medications, homeopathic treatments and over-the-counter medicines. If possible, bring medicines in their original containers. Do not bring mercury thermometers, needles or syringes, or electronic equipment.

For more information, contact Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments at 783-9186 or River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition at 364-7408.

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