Overdoses, deaths and crimes are things we all associate with drug addiction and abuse.

And while we think of the hardest drugs, like cocaine and heroin, among others, the same can be said for prescription drugs. People can become addicted quickly and crimes are committed when trying to obtain them from others or by theft.

This Saturday, the annual Drug Take Back event sponsored by the Lawrence-Scioto  Solid Waste District, law enforcement and various healthcare organizations will be at the Ironton Hills Plaza from 10 a.m-2 p.m. to offer a safe way to discard of prescription pharmaceuticals and controlled substances.

This is a valuable event that can benefit the ongoing drug epidemic that has hit us all so hard in Lawrence County and the region.

The event has grown each year. Last year’s event saw hundreds of pounds of pills, syringes and liquid medications dropped off.

While the event continues to be a success each spring, the ultimate realization of success requires citizens to continue to participate and dispose of these items in a secure and responsible fashion.

Even if you just have one piece of medication left in a bottle, getting rid of it at this event may help save someone’s life.