Oct. 28 is National Prescription Take-Back Day

Unneeded prescription medication—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—are a public safety issue and can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. Most people who misuse prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. Don’t let your medicine cabinet be the source of drugs for anyone.

But do you know that hundreds of police departments across the country will part-take in this initiative? According to Rockwall News, the Rockwall Police Department is one of them. Local residents will have the opportunity on Saturday to safely dispose their unneeded medication at dedicated location.

Many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away—both potential safety and health hazards. Removing unwanted prescriptions will help keep your home safe and could even save lives.

On Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., bring unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (West Parking Lot), 310 2nd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids as part of the nationwide prescription drug Take-Back Day with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This event is free and anonymous.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, visit the DEA Diversion website.

Can’t make it on Saturday? The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has a drug drop box in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office at 310 2nd Ave. SW. The drop box is permanently mounted in the Sheriff’s Office visitor’s parking lot and is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Any unwanted medication and drugs, including illegal drugs, may be placed in the container. However, for the safety of all involved, please do not put needles or sharps in the drop box.