LGPD taking back unwanted prescription drugs April 27, 2024 in Safeway Parking Lot

By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE – (Release from the La Grande Police Department) On Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the La Grande Police Department, partnering with the Union County Safe Communities Coalition and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the La Grande Safeway parking lot, located on the east end of Adams Avenue at 2111 Adams Avenue. (We cannot accept liquids or needles, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last fall, Americans turned in 599,897 pounds (300 tons) of prescription drugs at 4,675 collection sites across the United States. The La Grande Police Department was one of 4,383 law enforcement agencies nationwide participating in this event.
The La Grande Police Department hosts a Spring and Fall take back event and maintains a drug drop box in the lobby of the police department that is available 24/7. You can also use the drop box at Red Cross Drug Store, Grande Ronde Hospital and the Safeway Pharmacy.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27th Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.