National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day this Saturday at local sites

The Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force, in cooperation with area law enforcement agencies, is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. This year’s event is being held Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. nationwide for the purpose of disposing of expired and/or unused medications and keeping them out of the hands of people who may misuse or abuse them, especially youth.

Four agencies in Allamakee County will be hosting drop-off locations for local residents to dispose of prescription drugs during that event timeframe. The Waukon Police Department will host a drop-off location at the Waukon Police Station located at 104 First Street NW. The fire station in Lansing will be a host site at 51 North Front Street. The Postville Police Department will also host a drop-off site at its City Hall location at 147 North Lawler Street. The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office will host a drop-off site as well at its Public Safety Center location at 877 Iowa Highway 9 north of Waukon.

None of the drop-off locations will accept needles of any type. Also, people who bring pills to any of the drop-off locations listed above will remain anonymous.

The purpose of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to address a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, six million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Additional drop-off sites throughout Iowa and the nation can be found at www.DEA.gov. Further information can also be found at that site or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.