Knox County had good participation in Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day, with 143 pounds of unwanted and expired medications collected at five different locations.
In addition to medications, the event also included the collection of used sharps, such as lancets and syringes.
Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide event that happens twice a year – in the spring and fall – and is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In Knox County, the event is coordinated by KSAAT, the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team, with support from local law enforcement and Knox Community Hospital
For anyone who was to unable to participate in Drug Take Back Day, unwanted medications can be disposed of throughout the year at drop-boxes located in Knox County. Those locations include the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericktown Police Department, Danville Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, CVS and the Mount Vernon Rite-Aid. At these locations, medications should be placed in a clear, sealable bag. Only pills can be disposed of at the drop-off boxes: no liquids, inhalers, sharps or illegal drugs should be placed in the drop-boxes.
Local residents can also dispose of unwanted medications using a Deterra Drug Deactivation Bag. The bags are free and available by contacting Knox Public Health. By simply adding tap water to the bag, a water absorbing pod inside the bag permanently deactivates pills, patches, liquids, creams and films. The bag is them sealed and disposed of in a home trash receptacle.
For more information on KSAAT and local efforts to education adults and youth on the dangers of harmful drugs, contact Baylee Ruggles, coordinator for Drug Free Communities at Knox Public Health, at 740-392-2200, Ext. 2311, or bruggles@knoxhealth.com.
