Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RICHARD JENKINS
Those with medications they no longer need have the opportunity to dispose them properly, as Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Now in its ninth year, the event seeks to remove opioids and other medications that can be abused from homes where they are vulnerable to “misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens,” said a spokesperson with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The DEA and its local partners around the country have collected more than 5,400 tons of prescription medications over the past nine years.
“The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to working with all of our partners to stem the tide of drug abuse and addiction across the nation,” Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon said in a news release. “The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is one way that we can all make a difference in our community by safely disposing of unwanted medication. This unwanted medication often ends up in the wrong hands. While it may seem insignificant, safely disposing of unwanted prescription drugs can truly save lives.”
According to information from the DEA, over 6,000 collection sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time for those taking part in Saturday’s event. Nearby collection sites can be found at DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539.
The Northwoods locations listed on the DEA’s website include: the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police’s Wakefield Post, Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Office, Price County Sheriff’s Office, Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police Department, Ashland Police Department and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
In a news release regarding the event by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Attorney General Josh Kaul said the event is intended for waste pharmaceuticals from households only.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications are allowed; according to the DOJ. The state’s news release said needles, acids, aerosol cans, anything containing bio-hazards such as blood and other bodily fluids, personal care products, hazardous waste, vape pens and mercury thermometers aren’t allowed and shouldn’t be brought to a disposal.
Although liquids will be accepted in this event, they must be in their original packaging.
The event also isn’t intended for illegal substances such as methamphetamine or marijuana.