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Drop Off Unused Medications and Help Prevent Misuse

Eastern Idaho – On April 27th the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners will hold the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  The DEA began the initiative in 2010 to provide easy, anonymous opportunities to remove medicines in the home that are highly susceptible to misuse and theft. Locally, Eastern Idaho Public Health, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Idaho Falls Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Rexburg Police Department, Bonneville Youth Development Coalition, the Center for Hope, Community Family Clinic, Blue Cross of Idaho, and the Rexburg Free Clinic are hosting three Take Back Day collection site events within Idaho Falls and Rexburg from 10am-2pm on Saturday, April 27^th.

Idaho Falls Location:

• Blue Cross of Idaho Office: 3630 S 25th E, Idaho Falls

Rexburg Locations:

• Madison County DMV: 510 North 2nd East, Rexburg
• Wal-Mart Parking Lot: 1450 North 2nd , Rexburg

These events will allow community members to safely and securely dispose of any unused, unwanted, or expired prescriptions and help prevent drug misuse in our state. All prescription drugs will be accepted, as well as over-the-counter and veterinary medications. The Take Back Day collection sites will also accept vape pens, cartridges, or other e-cigarette devices (without the batteries in the device). Needles will not be accepted.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events are a free and easy way to dispose of unused medications that are often kept in our homes unsecured. These events help prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and make a positive difference in our communities.

Nationally, over 14 million Americans misused prescription psychotherapeutic drugs in 2022, with misuse highest among young adults ages 18-25. Unfortunately, Idaho is not immune to this issue.^[1] In 2022, an estimated 40,000 Idahoans aged 12 and older misused prescription pain relievers.^[2] Results from the 2021 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that nearly 14% of Idaho 9-12^th graders reported that they had misused a prescription drug one or more times in their life.^[3]  While a majority of youth did not report misusing prescription drugs, of those that did, over 40% took or received them from a family member or friend, and nearly 75% misused the medication in their own home.^[4]

When left in a medicine cabinet, thrown away, or flushed, unused prescriptions can be dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. Help keep our community safe and healthy by dropping off your old medication on Saturday, April 27th.

If you miss your local Take Back Day and need to dispose of prescription medications, find a year-round drop off location online at www.odp.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-take-back-program

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[1] Key Substance Use & Mental Health Indicators in the U.S: Results form the 2022 National Survey on Drug use & Health. SAMHSA.

2 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Estimated Total for States (In Thousands). SAMHSA.

3 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021 State Report. Idaho State Department of Education, CDC.

4 Idaho Healthy Youth Survey, 2021 State Report. Idaho Office of Drug Policy