Knox County to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

KNOX COUNTY — Knox County will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22. 

The Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT), in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, are coordinating this collection day for residents to dispose of expired, unused or unwanted medications. The disposal day will also include the collection of unwanted syringes. The drop-off locations in Knox County will 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 drug overdose epidemic in the U.S. is a clear and present public health, public safety and national security threat. The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects the commitment to safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. 

If you are unable to attend the event on April 22, 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). These drop-boxes are anonymous; however, please do not put liquids, inhalers, sharps or illegal substances in them.

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.