National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 28, and Perry-area residents may safely dispose of their unused drugs to the Perry Public Safety Building at 908 Willis Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) office of Drug Control Policy encourages Iowans to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of their leftover prescription and over-the-counter drugs during this special one-day event held each spring and fall.
The spring collection, held in April, netted over 3,800 pounds of old medicine from Iowans. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 98 tons of unused medications at these events, according to the DPS.
“All of us can help reduce the risk of drug diversion and misuse, overdose and even environmental contamination by properly disposing of unneeded medication,” said Office of Drug Control Policy Bureau Chief Susie Sher.
Iowans can also take excess medications to one of nearly 400 permanent pharmacy and law enforcement center sites available on a year-round basis. For more information, visit the Iowa Drug Take Back website.
As part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back program, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes from individuals, if batteries are first removed from the devices. For more information or to find a drop-off site, visit the Drug Take Back website.
Iowans who need help with drug abuse or mental health can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org.
