Drug Take-Back Day happening Saturday
–The community will have a chance to be a part of opioid prevention during Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26. The free “take-back day” will be held from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the California Highway Patrol Parking Lot located at 675 California Blvd. in San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
The SLO County Opioid Safety Coalition in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol works to facilitate the safe disposal of medications while at the same time offering an anonymous, non-judgmental way for residents to drop off their prescription drugs. The organization has collected more than 1,600 pounds through take-back days locally since 2016.
Opioid addiction and prescription drug misuse has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to an increase in prescription drug prevention and safety awareness efforts. In 2018, there were over 500 opioid prescriptions per 1,000 residents in SLO County, a rate higher than California’s state average. Utilizing the National Drug Take-Back Event or SLO County’s Pharmacy Take-Back Program is the easiest way to ensure your unwanted/expired medications will not harm others or the environment.
“Consumer Reports found that about one-third of Americans have not cleaned out their medicine cabinet in the past year,” says Jenn Rhoads, SLO Opioid Safety Coalition Coordinator. “That’s a lot of unused or expired medications with the potential to cause an accidental overdose or contribute to someone’s addiction, not to mention cluttering up your medicine cabinet! Safely disposing of medications ensures community safety – of your family, children, pets, neighbors and the environment too.”
Items accepted at Drug Take-Back Day include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, medication ointments and lotions, inhalers, and liquid medication in leak-proof containers. Items that are not accepted are needles / sharps, thermometers, aerosol cans, medical waste, personal care products, and hydrogen peroxide. Free disposal of medication is available year-round at all SLO County pharmacies. Contact your local pharmacy for more information.
For more information or details visit opioidsafetyslo.org or contact Jennifer Rhoads, SLO Opioid Safety Coordinator, (805) 781-1195; jrhoads@slo.co.sa.us.
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