(Santa Fe) ' Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced New Mexico's participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. This day is an opportunity for the safe disposal of unwanted or unused prescription medications.

"Throughout my career as a prosecutor and now as governor, I've seen the horrible effects that drugs have on our families. This is an opportunity for New Mexicans to help fight the devastating impact of drug abuse in our state," Governor Martinez said. "Expired or unused medications are vulnerable to misuse, or can be more accessible to kids. By providing a safe opportunity to dispose of these medications, more New Mexicans will be able to join the fight against drug abuse."

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs can be dropped off for proper disposal at collection sites throughout New Mexico. Collection sites will be set up in dozens of communities across the state, and will be staffed by state and local law enforcement agencies. The service is free and anonymous. Click here to find the nearest Prescription Drug Take Back Day disposal site.

Since taking office, Governor Martinez and her administration have implemented a comprehensive approach to fighting drug abuse in New Mexico, particularly regarding prescription drug abuse and fatalities. The Governor recently signed legislation expanding access to medication that can help reverse opioid overdoses, as well as another bill that requires opioid prescription providers to check New Mexico's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) in order to reduce drug seeking.

Efforts such as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the "No Exceptions" drug awareness program, prevention efforts such as the PMP, and policy initiatives such as coverage of Naloxone through Centennial Care, show the Martinez administration's commitment to reduce prescription drug overdose fatalities.