Local sheriff and law enforcement agencies to participate in drug take back event
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Saturday, is Drug Enforcement Administration’s 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
This allows the agency, along with its partners to collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drug medications from people who have expired, unwanted or unused medications in their homes.
Since its launch over a decade ago, the take-back day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from being in circulation.
There are currently more than 4,000 drop-off locations nationwide, including several local entities in Boone County.
On Friday, the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital and the University of Missouri MU Student Center are participating in the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This offers people the chance to anonymously drop off medications they no longer need at these locations for no charge.
Benefits include ensuring that the medications are safely disposed of and unable to end up in the hands of children who could abuse the medicine, or distribute it to other children.
According to a social media post by the Boone County Sheriff's Office, it also helps to protect the environment, as flushing medications is bad for groundwater.
Items that can't be dropped off at these locations include needles, syringes, inhalers, and IV solutions. This is done so that blood-borne pathogens are not transmitted. It is also asked that if you need to dispose of a liquid, such as cough syrup, you keep it in its original container, and ensure it is sealed tightly.
Six locations in Boone County will also participate in the event on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Participating locations in Boone County:
- Ashland Police Department
- Centralia Police Department
- Hallsville Police Department
- Sturgeon Police Department
- Hickman High School
- Rock Bridge High School
The Jefferson City Police Department will also participate in the event on the 22nd from 10 am to 2 p.m.
Anyone is encouraged to go to any of these locations during the allotted times they are open for the event.
