On Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the St. Cloud Police Department invites community members to participate in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This vital community safety event will be held at Walgreens located at 4905 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, in St. Cloud. It’s a great opportunity to dispose of expired or unneeded prescription medications safely and securely.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a crucial program aimed at preventing drug addiction and overdose deaths. The day is specifically designed to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications if they are not properly handled.
Why Participate?
- Prevent Misuse: Safely disposing of expired or unused medications prevents them from falling into the hands that might misuse them.
- Environmental Safety: Proper disposal helps avoid water contamination that can occur from flushing medications down the toilet.
- Health and Safety: Removing unneeded medications from homes reduces the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.
The DEA has set up locations nationwide where locals can bring their prescription drugs for disposal. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Hosted by the St. Cloud Police Department, the event underlines the department’s commitment to community safety and its proactive approach in combating prescription drug abuse. The department recognizes that non-medical use of controlled substance medications is a significant health issue that contributes to the tragic increase in accidental overdoses.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their prescription drugs for disposal to Walgreens at the aforementioned address. (Please note: The St. Cloud Police Department cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. Millions of Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs, most of which are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. By participating in this event, you contribute to the safety and well-being of your community.