The City of Erie Police Department is hoping to spread the word about a drug take-back event this weekend.
The event will take place this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. There are two drop-off locations — Erie City Hall (626 State Street) and UPMC Hamot Hospital in the front lobby (201 State St).
Police are looking to collect medications that residents don’t use or prescriptions that they don’t know what to do with.
Police said this helps alleviate potential prescription drug abuse.
“A lot of the public doesn’t realize that prescription medication is the number one abused drug in America at this point. It’s easily accessible by going into the medicine cabinet, taking a family member’s, maybe a friend’s. They’re readily available, and it’s a gateway to addiction,” said Lieutenant Jamie Russo, City of Erie Police Department.
Lieutenant Russo said they’re also taking vape pens and e-cigarettes this year, but cannot accept them unless the batteries are removed.
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