Drug Take-Back Day – October 26

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (October 17, 2024) – 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 to host a Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department, 970 Memorial Dr., St. Johnsbury.

Take-Back Day provides a free, safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Individuals may anonymously and safely drop off any unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as pet medication, at the above mentioned locations. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.

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. For example, nearly half of the people who misused pain prescriptions obtained them from a relative or friend. Safe disposal of medications can also prevent dangers to our waterways and wildlife.

Unable to participate in this Take-Back Day?

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
• Johnsbury Police Department – 24/7
• Vermont State Police – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Individuals may also use free pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes, available through the Vermont Department of Health to responsibly dispose of medications. And in addition to NVRH’s permanent drug take-back box, there is also a drop box for sharps located outside the main hospital entrance.

Cosmetics, vitamins/supplements, thermometers, aerosol cans, inhalers, and needles are not accepted at the prescription take-back box locations.

“The DEA Drug Take-Back Day goes beyond prescription drop boxes; it raises awareness and encourages community-wide action,” NVRH Director of Substance Misuse Prevention Carolyn Towne said. “While drop boxes are always available, this event brings attention to the importance of safe disposal. We truly appreciate the Caledonia Sheriff’s department for supporting this effort over the years—their continued involvement helps protect our youth, prevent misuse, and keep the Northeast Kingdom safer.”

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26 Take-Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact NVRH Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Chandler at c.chandler@nvrh.org or 802-748-7555.