Idahoans are encouraged to participate in “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” this Saturday, which is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
From 10 AM to 2 PM, prescription medicines can be turned in at thousands of collection sites around the country, including 30 in Idaho. Locations around the region Saturday include the Lewiston Police Department at 1224 ‘F’ Street, the Clearwater County Sheriff Change Point Parking Lot on Michigan Ave in Orofino, and the Grangeville Police Department at the City Hall Council Chambers.
The disposal service accepts only pills or patches – it doesn’t include liquids or needles. The service is free and anonymous.
Officials warn that flushing prescription drugs or putting them in the trash can pose safety or health risks; and unused drugs languishing in medicine cabinets can be highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
If residents cannot find a take-back location in their area, they can return unused prescriptions to a local CVS, Walgreens, local pharmacy, primary care provider, or a local police station.
For more information about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, or to locate a collection site, please visit dea.gov and select the “Got Drugs” link. (Spokesman-Review, DEA)
