KNOX COUNTY – Saturday, Oct. 23, Knox County will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. 

Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT), in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, will sponsor this collection day for Knox County residents to safely dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

The disposal day will also include the collection of unwanted syringes.

Drop-off locations in Knox County include Knox Public Health, Knox Community Hospital Medical Pavilion at Conway’s Eastside Pharmacy, Danville Police Department, Centerburg Foster’s Pharmacy and the Fredericktown Police Department.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

Knox County residents can request a free Deterra Drug Deactivation pouch from Knox Public Health or the Fredericktown Police Department. These pouches allow for the safe destruction of medications, liquids and patches at home. 

Additionally, drop-boxes are located throughout Knox County for year-round disposal. These locations include the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Fredericktown Police Department, the Danville Police Department, the Mount Vernon Police Department, Rite-Aid-Mount Vernon and CVS-Mount Vernon. These drop-boxes are anonymous; however, do not put liquids, inhalers or illegals in the drop-boxes.

To learn more about KSAAT visit ksaat.org or to get involved email ksaat2011@gmail.com.