There will be area locations available for residents to safely dispose expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs during “National Take Back Day.”

According to a news release from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, this is a national event to encourage the public to clean out their medicine cabinet of unused, unwanted or expired medication and to provide safe and secure local drop off points. According to the news release, more than 46,000 Americans die each year from drug-related deaths. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.5 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs and a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained through family and friends, including from their home medicine cabinets. 

The Sheriff’s Office will be accepting medications Saturday, April 29, at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha. They do not accept needles/syringes or injectable medications. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is also a year-round drop off location for unused or expired medications. For more information, call (785) 742-7125. 

The Drug Free Community Coalition, along with St. Joseph Youth Alliance, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph Police Department are sponsoring a drug take back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in the East Hills Parking Lot, by Sears. They will be accepting controlled, non-controlled, over the counter substances and sharps. For more information, call (816) 232-0050.