COVID-19 Effects on National Drug Take Back Day

Who: KSAAT & Local Law Enforcement Agencies
What: Drug Take Back Day
When: April 25, 2020
Drop-off Locations:
                             Mount Vernon Police Department
                             Fredericktown Police Department
                             Knox County Sheriff’s Office
 
Knox County, OH – With families encouraged to stay at home due to the nationwide health crisis, the Drug Enforcement Administration is asking Americans to keep prescription medications safe and secure until they can properly dispose of them.

DEA in cooperation with local organizations like KSAAT and local law enforcement holds its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year. However, because of the current nationwide coronavirus pandemic, DEA postponed the 2020 Spring Take Back Day, originally scheduled for April 25, 2020. The Take Back day will be rescheduled for a date shortly after the health crisis recedes and national emergency guidelines are lifted.  

If you have medications to dispose of there are three 24/7 drop-boxes located in Knox County for year round disposal. These locations include; the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Fredericktown Police Department and the Mount Vernon Police Department. These 24/7 drop-boxes remain anonymous and contact free; however, please do not put liquids, inhalers, syringes or illegals in the drop-boxes.

It is vital to secure and dispose of medications properly. Many Americans are not aware that medicines left in one’s home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

If you are unable to make it out to any of the three drop box locations Knox County residents can request a free Deterra Drug Deactivation pouch by calling 740-392-2200 ext. 2229.  These pouches allow for the safe destruction of medications, liquids and patches at home. Visit ksaat.org for more information.