Knox County's Drug Take Back Day scheduled this weekend

Knox County will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT), in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, is coordinating this collection day for residents to dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted medications. The disposal day will also include the collection of unwanted syringes. 

The drop-off locations in Knox County include: 

• Danville Police Department
• Centerburg Foster’s Pharmacy
• Fredericktown Police Department
• Knox Public Health
• Knox Community Hospital Medical Pavilion @ Conway’s Eastside Pharmacy

Drug Take Back Day is vital as many Americans are not aware that medicines left in one’s home are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at an alarming high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

If you are unable to attend the event on April 30, residents can request a free Deterra Drug Deactivation pouch from Knox Public Health. These pouches allow for the safe destruction of medications, liquids and patches at home.

Additionally, there are several drop-boxes located in Knox County for year-round disposal. These locations include the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericktown Police Department, Danville Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Rite-Aid (Mount Vernon) and CVS (Prescription medicine only at CVS). These drop-boxes are anonymous; however, please do not put liquids, inhalers, sharps or illegal substances in the drop-boxes.

KSAAT looks forward to YOUR HELP to make Knox County’s Drug Take Back Day a success! We are all a part of the solution.

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