October 2023 Drug Take Back Press Release 10.20.23

Idaho Falls, ID – On October 28th the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local
partners will hold the 25th 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, abuse, and theft. Locally, Eastern Idaho Public Health, Bonneville
County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville Youth Development
Council, the Center for HOPE, College of Eastern Idaho, and the Idaho Office of Drug
Policy are hosting a Take Back Day collection site event in Idaho Falls from 9am-12pm on
Saturday, October 28th at College of Eastern Idaho: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID
83404.

The event 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 site
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 2021, with
misuse highest among young adults ages 18-25. Unfortunately, Idaho is not immune to this issue. In
2021, an estimated 40,000 Idahoans aged 12 and older misused prescription pain relievers. Results
from the 2021 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that nearly 14% of Idaho 9-12th graders
reported that they had misused a prescription drug one or more times in their life. 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.
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, October 28th.

Eastern Idaho Public Health will be providing education on opioids, naloxone, and safe storage and
disposal of prescription medications. EIPH will also be distributing free medication lock boxes and
Deterra drug deactivation pouches. Sam’s Club has generously donated donuts for this event,
so come by, drop off unused and/or expired medications and pick up some free resources
and a donut!

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

###

To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, please visit the Drug Enforcement
Agency’s website at www.dea.gov/takebackday

To learn more about Eastern Idaho Public Health’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program or Partnership
for Success Program, visit https://eiph.idaho.gov