Local health care professionals want to keep medications from getting into the wrong hands – and mouths.

On Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., New Hanover Regional Medical Center will hold a free medication disposal at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Medical Mall. The mall, at 2243 S. 17th Street, is next to the hospital’s main campus.

The hospital has partnered with local law enforcement agencies, Cape Fear Community College, Safe Kids NC and the Cape Fear Coalition for a Drug Free Tomorrow to conduct this event.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring unwanted or outdated prescription, over-the-counter or herbal medications, as well as vitamins. The sponsoring organizations point out that proper disposal of medication is imperative to maintaining a clean and safe environment. Unused drugs can be harmful to children as well as pets, while old medications can often be confused with new medications.

By properly disposing of medications, people also can prevent drugs from being distributed illegally or used abusively. The misuse of prescription drugs has been a consistent problem in the eastern North Carolina region.

For more information, call 815-5152 or email [email protected].