News : National Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 26, 2024

The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 26, 2024. This biannual event is an opportunity for Iowans to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely and anonymously.

Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication during this one-day event held each spring and fall. During the spring collection in April, Iowans turned in over 5,077 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 103 tons of unused medications at these events.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for the dangerous misuse of opioid pain relievers and other drugs.

"Make it a habit to check your home for unneeded medications and look for opportunities like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of them the right way. This is a simple action we all can take to help prevent drug misuse, protect the environment, and support our communities," says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. "Keeping expired and unused prescription medications can lead to health and safety issues like accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse."

Saturday's National Prescription Drug Take Back events will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. As part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back program, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes from individuals so long as batteries are first removed from the devices. For more information or to find a site near you, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

On a year-round basis, Iowans can take excess medications to one of Iowa's 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations. For Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites, visit the ODCP Drug Take Back page.

Iowans needing help for drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service's YourLifeIowa.org.

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.