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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina, local authorities and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration are collecting unused prescription drugs from the public.
There are about 90 drug take-back events across North Carolina on Saturday where people can rid themselves of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. To find a nearby drop-off site or to learn more about Operation Medicine Drop, go to www.ncsafekids.org .
The state Insurance Department says poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise in North Carolina and death rates exceed the national rate. The North Carolina Division of Public Health says about 6,900 North Carolina residents have died in the past 15 years from unintentional poisonings.
Collecting medications also protects waterways from becoming polluted with pharmaceuticals.
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