Drop Off Unused Medications and Help Prevent Misuse

(Eastern Idaho—10/29/2022) On October 29th the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its
state and local partners will hold the 23rd 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, the Idaho Office of Drug
Policy, Eastern Idaho Public Health, College of Eastern Idaho, Bonneville County Sheriff’s
Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, and Bonneville Youth Development Council are
hosting a Take Back Day collection site event in Idaho Falls from 10am-12pm on Saturday,
October 29th 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 16 million Americans misused prescription psychotherapeutic drugs in 2020, with
misuse highest among young adults ages 18-25. Unfortunately, Idaho is not immune to this issue. In
2020, more than 70,000 Idahoans aged 12 and above misused prescription pain relievers. According
to the 2019 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly 23% of Idaho 12th graders reported that they
had taken a prescription drug differently than how it was prescribed, or without a doctor’s
prescription at all, one or more times in their life. While a majority of Idaho youth did not report
misusing prescription drugs, of those that did, over 41% took or received them from a family member
or friend, and over 60% 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 29th.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event in Eastern Idaho includes:
College of Eastern Idaho
1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Entrance off of Hitt Road
10/29/2022 10 AM to 12 PM (NOON)

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,
Deterra drug deactivation pouches, and gun locks to community members.

If you miss your local Take Back Day and need to dispose of prescription medications, visit one of
the following year-round drop off location sites in Eastern Idaho:

Idaho Falls Police Department & Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Building
605Capital Ave Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Clark County Sheriff’s Office
224 W Main St Dubois, ID 83423

Custer County Courthouse
801 Main St Challis, ID 83226

Mackay City Hall
203 S Main St Mackay, ID 83251

St. Anthony Police Department
420 North Bridge St. St. Anthony, ID 83445

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
200 Courthouse Way Rigby, ID 83442

Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office
206 Courthouse Dr Salmon, ID 83467

Madison County Sheriff’s Office
145 E Main St Rexburg, ID 83440

Rexburg Police Department
24 East Main St Rexburg, ID 83440

Teton County Sheriff’s Office
230 N Main Driggs, ID 83442

To find other year-round drop off locations near you visit www.odp.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-takeback-program

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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.id.gov/
Press Contact: Brenna Christofferson (208) 533-3145

Access to Official Press Release