The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2014 — 18,893 of those related to prescription pain relievers.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that 160 children are hospitalized every day as a result of accidental medicine overdoses, according to a report earlier this year from Washington, D.C.-based Safe Kids Worldwide. An ABC News article from March of this year reports that these children found pain relievers, prescription drugs or vitamins in easily accessible places, such as on the ground, in cabinets, in pill organizers, in a purse or diaper bag or on countertops where children were able to reach the medication.

With this information, the Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse (VARSA) this year started a more regular Drug Take Back booth at Saturday farmers markets, where islanders can dispose of their expired or unused prescription drugs. Now, the disposal program has been taken a step further as the Vashon Pharmacy has become the first location in the county to receive a prescription drug drop box from the King County Secure Medicine Return program MED-Project.

Islanders will be able to start using the box on Monday and should take inventory of their medicine and dispose of what they do not need. Having medicines sit around the house is a recipe for disaster and is dangerous to not only small children who do not know any better, but also to those suffering from mental illness and those who are depressed or feeling suicidal. Teens are also in danger as certain prescription drugs — which are in nearly every household in some form or another — can provide a dangerous high and are easier to obtain than alcohol or marijuana. In fact, prescription drug abuse falls just behind alcohol and marijuana for teens and young adults, according to VARSA Coordinator Lisa Bruce.

A prescription drug take back booth will be available at this Saturday’s farmers market and will serve as an opportunity for islanders to clean out their medicine cabinets in an effort to not overload the pharmacy’s new drop box.

All islanders should take advantage of these disposal methods. Precautions need to be taken as prescription drug use and overdoses continue to rise.