ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A recent medication take-back event in Albany resulted in a record-setting collection. Organizers say the effort helped remove approximately 78 pounds of unused or expired medications, along with 5 pounds of used and unused needles.

Community organizations, healthcare providers, and law enforcement agencies recently partnered for the Community Strong Wellness and Resource Fair at the Albany Civic Center. During the event, residents were encouraged to dispose of unused, expired, and unwanted medications safely.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said the event marked a milestone for the city.

“This event resulted in the largest medication collection to date from a safe medication drop off event that was conducted jointly by the Albany Police Department and Albany Dougherty Special Investigative Unit,” Persley said. “This was highlighting the community’s continued support for safe medication disposal and overdose prevention effort.”

Officials say the record-setting collection shows growing community awareness about the importance of proper medication disposal. They say events like these help keep potentially dangerous drugs off the streets while supporting overdose prevention efforts throughout Dougherty County.

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