ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Saturday, October 26, 2024 was the 27th National Drug Take Back Day, hosted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.). These take backs create an opportunity for community members to safely dispose of medication. Wegmans partnered with neighborhood law enforcement agencies to hold some of these takebacks, with seven local stores participating. People from across Rochester were encouraged to check their homes for expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Saturday's take back was specifically for pills and patches. This helps prevent accidental poisonings and overdoses while also discouraging drug abuse, according to the D.E.A. Anyone who brought medication was able to do so anonymously with no questions asked. The Titus Avenue Wegmans was one store that had a take back, with Irondequoit Police's assistance. The people who make it possible in our community say that the drug take backs continue to make a difference in the Rochester area. "For people to come and dispose of their medication safely, I think it's an extremely important resource to have in our community," Director of Addiction Services for Monroe County Dr. Tisha Smith said. "We're quite pleased with the amount of organization and the number of partnerships that have been developed as a result of these events". There are two National Drug Take Back Days each year along many year-round resources are available across the region.