Brief: Prescription Drug Take Back Set For Oct. 29

The Washington County Sheriff's Office—in partnership with Washington County Public Health and Environment and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—will be participating in a voluntary prescription drug "Take-Back" campaign on Oct. 29.

Law enforcement officials held a similar campaign in April, when 300 gallons of unused prescription drugs were collected.

The Oct. 29 program will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can drop off unused prescription drugs at the Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., in Stillwater. The drugs will be destroyed.

The collection site will be in the main lot at the government center with drive-through access. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is increasing, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, according to a release from the sheriff’s office. Studies show that that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, the release says.

Improperly disposing unused medicine; e.g., flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, are both potential safety and health hazards.

Following the April event, officials announced what was collected:

• 1,100 grams of Oxycodone/Percocet
• 1,800 grams of Hydrocodone/Vicodin
• 550 grams of Amphetamine/Adderall
• 650 grams of Codeine