National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

Two times a year, the Department of Health and Human Services hosts a nationwide day where people across the country can anonymously return unused or expired prescription drugs to pharmacies and drop-off points.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday was created in 2003 to help prevent drug addictions and stop prescription drug overdoses in America. People can visit a predesignated location and dispose of any prescription or non-prescription drugs without fear of arrest. As opioid-related overdoses have climbed in the country in the last decade, Nebraska has remained well under the national average but still battles other drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Jeff Kahrs, who is the Midwest regional director for the DHHS, said one of the leading causes of prescription drug overdoses is the unsafe storage of expired drugs people have forgotten about.

“The reality is, every day can be a drug take back day," Kahrs said. "You can always take your drugs back to a law enforcement agency, generally. Again, check with your local pharmacy. It’s a little bit different with narcotics, obviously, but we just need more education. I think folks need to understand that leaving unused narcotics is just not smart and it’s not safe.”

To find a participating pharmacy or drop-off site in Nebraska, visit the Drug Enforcement Agency website and search for your zip code.