Washington County Sheriff, Public Health and Environment to host drug “take back” event

Posted 10/25/22

OAKDALE, MN – Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, which can be dangerous and often tragic. To help combat the misuse of prescription drugs and promote safe …

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Washington County Sheriff, Public Health and Environment to host drug “take back” event

Posted

OAKDALE, MN – Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, which can be dangerous and often tragic. To help combat the misuse of prescription drugs and promote safe medication disposal, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated October 29 as “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day”, with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment hosting a collection event from 10am to 2pm at Oakdale Library, 1010 Heron Ave. N.

Prescription medication that is old, unwanted, or no longer needed presents a public safety issue, and too often becomes a gateway to addiction. Most opioid addictions start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home, and those who misuse a prescription medication most often obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, two-thirds of teens who misused pain relievers in the past year say that they got them from family and friends.

“Just as dangerous as street drugs, abuse of prescription medication remains the fastest growing drug problem not only nationwide, but in our own backyard,” said Sheriff Dan Starry. “Safe storage and disposal of medications is a simple, concrete step our citizens can take to help keep their households and communities safe.”

The Oakdale Library household medication “drug take back” collection is free, anonymous, and open to all. Medications accepted include prescription, over-the-counter and pet medication. To date, Washington County has collected and properly disposed of over 44 tons of unwanted prescription medication. Drop boxes are available yearround in Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Hugo, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, and Woodbury.