Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, October 29, in St. Johnsbury

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (October 25, 2022) – In an effort to reduce prescription drug misuse and related overdose deaths, community partners will team up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Caledonia Sheriff’s Department and the St. Johnsbury Police Department, to host a Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 29 at the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department, 970 Memorial Dr., St. Johnsbury and the St. Johnsbury Police Department, 187 Main St #1, St Johnsbury.

Take-Back Day provides a free, safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. Individuals may anonymously and safely drop off any unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as pet medication, at the abovementioned locations. Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps- only pills or patches.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, storing and disposing of medications can prevent potential misuse or accidental ingestion by loved ones, friends, or pets. Safe disposal of medications can prevent dangers to our waterways and wildlife as well. Data informs us that nearly half of the people who misused pain prescriptions obtained them from a relative or friend. By reducing access through safe disposal, we are eliminating risks to those around us. At the last Take-Back Day in April 2022, Vermonters disposed of 6,950 pounds of medication. Let’s continue this positive trend.

“Drug Take-Back day provides a free and anonymous, no-questions-asked opportunity to dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs,” NVRH Director of Substance Misuse Prevention Cheryl Chandler said. “Please, join us in making our community a safer place for everyone.”

In addition to this event, there are permanent drug take-back boxes available year-round for people to dispose of unused prescription drugs at the following locations:

Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department – Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Essex County Sheriff’s Department – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hardwick Police Department – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lyndonville Police Department – Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; by appointment
NVRH Emergency Room – 24/7
St. Johnsbury Police Department – 24/7

Individuals may also use free pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes, available through the Vermont Department of Health to responsibly dispose of medications. Illegal drugs, cosmetics, vitamins/supplements, thermometers, aerosol cans, inhalers, needles and lotions/liquids are not accepted at the prescription take-back box locations.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 29 Take-Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact Cheryl Chandler, NVRH Director of Substance Misuse Prevention, at c.chandler@nvrh.org or 802-748-7555.