KNOX COUNTY –  Knox County representatives collected 131.08 pounds of unused, unwanted and expired medication on Saturday, Oct. 29, during the DEA National Drug Take Back Day, it was announced. 

That is up 35.04 pounds from the previous year, officials said. Residents also disposed of unwanted syringes that were destroyed courtesy of Knox Community Hospital.

Specifically, 76.4 pounds were collected in Mount Vernon at Knox Public Health and Conway’s Eastside Pharmacy at the Knox Community Hospital Medical Pavilion, 4.48 pounds were collected at Centerburg Foster’s Pharmacy, 16.6 pounds were collected at the Danville Police Department, and 33.6 pounds were collected at the Fredericktown Police Department.

The Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT) thanked the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericktown Police Department, Danville Police Department and the Mount Vernon Police Department for leading each drop-off location as well as the volunteers who donated their time.

Those who missed Drug Take Back Day may anonymously drop off medications at any of the year-round drop-boxes. 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. To dispose properly, place medications in a clear Ziploc bag. Do not put liquids, inhalers, syringes or illegals in the drop-boxes.

Residents can also request a free Deterra Drug Deactivation Bag by calling Knox Public Health at 740-392-2200, Ext. 2229.

To learn more about KSAAT visit ksaat.org.