Drug-Take Back Day scheduled for next week
By Paul Hall on Thursday, October 14th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Information provided by the La Grande Police Department) On Saturday, October 23, 2021, 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 20th opportunity in eleven years 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, with no questions asked.
- Last spring Americans turned in nearly 839,543lbs of prescription drugs at nearly 5,060 collections sites put together by state and local law enforcement partners. During this event in April 2021, Oregon alone turned in 11,257 pounds of prescription drugs.
- 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, and Rite Aid.
On October 23, to keep everyone safe, our collection site will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Face coverings will be required.
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 October 23 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.
