The Troup County Prevention Coalition, the Troup High Ambassadors and the Troup County Sheriff’s Office teamed up Saturday for National Take Back Day.

The day puts a focus on giving people a safe way to dispose of prescription drugs. In Troup County, all of the law enforcement offices have a drop-off box for prescription drugs, but Saturday was a national event through the Drug Enforcement Administration that allowed the prevention coalition to shine a spotlight on those boxes and their convenience.

“The drug boxes are good because they get unwanted and expired or unused medicines out of people’s medicine cabinets, and our data shows the first drug dealer can be your own medicine cabinet,” said Shannon Lawson with the Troup County Prevention Coalition.

Anyone who dropped off prescriptions at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Saturday received a free medicine safe.

“This is a good way and a safe way to get [those medicines out of your house],” said Evelyn Johnson, who is also a member of the Troup County Prevention Coalition’s student advisory council.

Drug drop off boxes are available at the Troup County Sheriff’s Office, the LaGrange Police Department, the West Point Police Department and the Hogansville Police Department. The Hogansville Police Department’s incinerator is used to dispose of the drugs.

Saturday also capped off Red Ribbon Week, which focuses on explaining the dangers of drugs use to students.

“I think it went really well, especially in the elementary schools. We saw a lot [of students] dressed up and it was really nice, getting the message out there,” said Kyla Bedingfield, who is also part of the TCPC’s advisory council.