This Saturday is the 21st National Drug Take Back Day. This biannual event provides a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused or unwanted pharmaceuticals, such as prescription opioids, that could otherwise fall into the wrong hands. By doing this simple act, you can help prevent drug abuse, addiction and overdose deaths in Florida.

Right now, we are in the midst of a national opioid crisis claiming 21 lives a day in our state. To reverse this disturbing trend, and save lives, it will take all of us working together to stop drug abuse and addiction.

Properly disposing of prescription medication ensures these substances are kept out of grasp of those struggling with addiction—like a friend or family member who might rummage through your medicine cabinet to find their next high.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, two-thirds of teens who misused pain relievers in the past year obtained the medication from a friend or relative, including their home’s medicine cabinets. About 80% of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.

In April, during the previous drug take-back day, Floridians disposed of more than 29,000 pounds of prescription drugs. That’s thousands of pounds of unused medications taken off our streets.

You can help us collect even more between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Saturday. Locate drop-off sites by visiting TakeBackDay.DEA.gov.

More information and resources for battling opioid abuse, as well as year-round drug take-back sites can be found at DoseOfRealityFL.com.

Please, take the time to check your prescriptions. If you find a medication you no longer need, take it to a local collection site. This simple act could save a life and help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.