Full Press Release

Eastern Idaho – On April 26^th, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners will hold the 28th 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 Falls Police Department, Idaho State Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Rexburg Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Rigby Police Department, St. Anthony Police Department, Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Lemhi County Sherriff’s Office, Salmon Police Department, the Center for Hope, Community Family Clinic, Blue Cross of Idaho and Eastern Idaho Medical Reserves Corps are hosting 7 Take Back Day collection site events within Eastern Idaho from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, April 26^th.

Driggs Location:

• Teton County Sheriff’s Office: 230 N Main St, Driggs, ID 83422

Idaho Falls Location:

• Blue Cross of Idaho Office: 3630 S 25^th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 (Off Hitt Road across from Hobby Lobby)

Rigby Location:

• Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office: 200 Courthouse Way, Rigby, ID 83442

Rexburg Locations:

• Madison County DMV: 510 North 2nd E, Rexburg, ID 83440
• Rexburg Walmart: 1450 N. 2^nd E, Rexburg, ID 83440

Salmon Location:

• Steele Memorial Special Clinic Parking Lot: 805 Main St, Salmon, ID 83467

St. Anthony Location:

• Anthony City Building: 420 N Bridge St, St. Anthony, ID 83445

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. 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.

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 26th.

If you miss your local Take Back Day and need to dispose of prescription medications, visit an Eastern Idaho Public Health office to pick up a free Drug Deactivation Packet or find a year-round drop off location online at the Idaho Office of Drug Policy.

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^{1 Key Substance Use & Mental Health Indicators in the U.S: Results from 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}