STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Gather your unused prescription drugs and prepare to pitch them.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 27.

The South Central Public Health District is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and others to host a Drug Take Back Day collection event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hailey, Shoshone and other locales.

The event is designed to prevent drug misuse. In 2022, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 49,000 Idahoans, ages 12 and older reported misusing prescription drugs in the previous year. Left in a medicine cabinet, thrown away or flushed, unused prescriptions can be dangerous to people, animals and the environment.

“Disposing of unused medications only takes a few minutes and can literally save someone’s life in the long term,” said Eli Thompson, health education specialist.

All prescription drugs will be accepted, as well as over-the-counter medications, vitamins and veterinary medications. Take Back drop-off locations will also accept vape pens, cartridges, or other e-cigarette devices (without the batteries in the device). Needles will not be accepted.

THE DROP-OFF SPOTS:

• Hailey: Albertsons Parking Lot (911 N Main St) 

   Community Partners: Men’s Second Chance Living and the Hailey Police Department

• Shoshone: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (115 W A St) 

   Community Partners: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

* Twin Falls: Fred Meyer Parking Lot (705 Blue Lakes Blvd N) 

   Community Partners: Treatment and Recovery Center (TARC) and the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office

• Twin Falls: Blue Cross of Idaho (428 Cheney Dr W) 

   Community Partners: Blue Cross of Idaho and the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office

• Gooding: Ridley’s Family Market (1427 Main St) 

   Community Partners: The Walker Center and the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office

• Jerome: Walmart Parking Lot (2680 S Lincoln Ave) 

   Community Partners: The Jerome County Sheriff’s Office

• Heyburn: Heyburn Police Department (1800 J St) 

   Community Partners: The Heyburn Police Department and the Community Coalitions of Idaho