Lehigh County residents disposed of 500.5 pounds of expired and unused over-the-counter and prescription medications during the 16th National Take Back Day Oct. 27. The total of drugs collected during all Take Back Day events since 2010 is 12,943.5 pounds.

In addition to the drugs discarded during the Take Back day, 21,970 pounds of medications have been collected from 15 permanent medication collection boxes that are located in 12 police departments and three Lehigh Valley Hospital sites. The boxes were first installed in Lehigh County police departments in 2013 and other locations were added later.

District Attorney Jim Martin said, “I am very pleased that Lehigh County citizens are taking advantage of National Take Back Day and the medication collection boxes to remove unwanted medications from their homes. Since 2010, over 17 tons of these medications have been collected.

“I want to thank not only the Allentown Health Bureau and the members of law enforcement for their efforts in making National Take Back Day a success in Lehigh County, but also St. Luke’s University Health Network, which had collection sites at their Fountain Hill and both Allentown campuses on Saturday (Oct. 27).

“The fight against drug abuse is greatly assisted by this collaborative effort,” Martin added.