The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
A variety of print and digital resource are available in the DEA Drug Take Back Partnership Toolbox. Health care facilities and community stakeholders are encouraged to utilize these promotional elements to prevent opioid addiction and other adverse drug events. A record amount of prescriptions drugs have been turned in safely and anonymously thanks to the increased awareness of the DEA Take Back effort.
Unused or expired prescription drugs can be dangerous, especially for children, teens, and even pets. Misused medication can lead to accidental overdose or addiction. Prescription drugs are only safe when used as prescribed by the person they were prescribed to. Taking medication that is not prescribed to them is very dangerous. For example, kids may think it’s okay to take medication from a friend who has been diagnosed with ADHD because they feel they have similar symptoms. But it’s important to note that medication needs to be prescribed to individuals by a licensed physician to be safe.
North Dakota is the only state in the nation operating free, year-round, state-wide prescription drug disposal programs at local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies. There are two free programs for residents to dispose of unwanted medications – the Take Back program at participating law enforcement agencies and the MedSafe program at participating pharmacies. Find your nearest Take Back or MedSafe location. For additional resources and materials, visit Opioids | Health and Human Services North Dakota
Avoid Opioid SD is a joint effort between the South Dakota Department of Health and Department of Social Services to address opioid abuse and misuse in the state as part of the South Dakota Opioid Abuse Strategic Plan.
- Drop Off at a Take-Back Location – these locations accept unused or expired medications year -round. Find a take back location near you.
- DisposeRx Packets – contain an FDA-approved ingredient that chemically and physically neutralizes the drugs when mixed with water and then can be safely thrown in the trash. Order a FREE DisposeRx packet to be mailed directly to you.
- For more information on safe storage and disposal of medication in South Dakota, visit www.avoidopioidsd.com.
Drug Take Back Day is an important event that helps keep our communities safe and prevent drug abuse. By properly disposing of unused medications, individuals can make a difference in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Read more about ways to secure medications and safely dispose of them.
Great Plains QIN aims to provide best practices, data, tools and training to support our communities to reduce opioid misuse, adverse drug events and improve Naloxone and Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) uptake. For more information on our efforts and available resources, visit our Pain and Substance Use Disorder Page.