Based on studies both national and local, one of the biggest threats to modern teens is prescription drug abuse.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to help prevent that kind of behavior: Get rid of expired or unwanted prescription drugs. While Fountain Hills is home to a year-round prescription drug drop-box, events like the upcoming prescription drug takeback day serve as an annual reminder that residents should go through their cabinets and get rid of unwanted medications.

This year’s takeback day is set for Saturday, April 27, and it will be hosted out of two locations to benefit the Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell and Verde communities. Simply drop by Fountain Hills Town Hall or the Fort McDowell Public Safety building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., hand over your unwanted prescriptions and drive away knowing you’ve helped keep potentially harmful drugs out of the hands of anyone they were not intended for.

In recent years, prescription drug takeback days have resulted in literally hundreds of pounds of medication being turned over for disposal. If you’re worried about turning in your old prescription bottles, simply dump all of the pills into a sealable bag for easy handling. As a reminder, no liquids, creams, needles or sharps can be dropped off during this event. All of your old pills, though, can be disposed of free of charge, no questions asked.

The Times encourages its readers to consider taking part in prescription drug takeback day, a small effort that goes a long way to make Fountain Hills a safer, more drug-free community.