There is no doubt that prescription medications help a lot of people every day. But at the same time, there is definitely potential for abuse if those drugs fall into the wrong hands.

To help prevent this danger, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a free prescription drop-off event Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On this day, citizens can bring their outdated or un-needed prescription drugs at the DCSO headquarters, 912 Spring Creek Road, and they will be disposed, no questions asked.

There are a number of reasons why people should take advantage of this day. Prescription medications are dangerous to throw away in the trash, because they can leech out and contaminate the water supply. Also, more Americans abuse prescription drugs than the number who use cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined, a 2010 study said.