Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

This Saturday, local law enforcement officials will be fighting against the opioid crisis by allowing residents to safely dispose of their unused prescription drugs.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
According to Detective Sergeant Juston Wead with the Cody Police Department, unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. He says proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

Wead adds that in light of the rising opioid crisis, the Take Back Day helps law enforcement agencies because it helps to reduce drug-related crime.

Wead says that last October’s Take Back event registered over 75 pounds of prescription drugs dropped off by Park County residents and turned over to the DEA for disposal. Nationally, October’s event collected 456 tons of prescription drugs that are now unavailable for misuse.
Residents can dispose of their unused medications this Saturday from 10-2 at the Park County Law Enforcement Center in Cody.