On Saturday, Oct. 29, Knox County will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. 

Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT), in partnership with local law enforcement, sponsors 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 crucial 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. 

To sign up as a volunteer, visit https://tinyurl.com/ysdakcve.