May 12-18 was National Prevention Week, an annual observance to increase public awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. May 13’s theme was Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse, and visitors to the Wendy’s in Russellville had a chance to take part in the campaign.

Riverbend representatives had information booths inside Wendy’s locations in Russellville, Muscle Shoals and Florence to raise awareness about the dangers of improper usage of prescription drugs and to encourage the proper disposal of unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications at designated drop-off locations.

Each person who signed a pledge acknowledging the dangers and agreeing to proper disposal received a coupon for a free Frosty. Riverbend representatives, like prevention services coordinator Melody Platt, agreed that this commitment will help keep people safe from toxic exposures, water contamination and accidental poisoning related to improper prescription drug disposal.

Drop-off locations for Franklin County are the Russellville CVS, 14695 Highway 43, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, 748 Walnut Gate Road. Drop-off can take place any time during the year, and it provides free, safe and secure discard point for prescription medications.

Themes for the rest of the week included:

• May 14: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
• May 15: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
• May 16: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
• May 17: Preventing Suicide

For additional information, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s website, samhsa.gov, and Riverbend’s website, rcmh.org.