STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Unused prescription drugs can be dropped off at two places in the Wood River Valley during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday.
South Central Public Health District is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and community partners to host the local Drug Take Back Day collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Drugs may be dropped off at the Hailey Public Library in a take back in partnership with the Hailey Police Department and Crisis Hotline.
They may be dropped off at Atkinsons’ Market in Ketchum in partnership with the Ketchum Police Department and Men’s Second Chance Living.
More than 2.5 million controlled substance prescriptions were dispensed in Idaho during 2023. When left in a medicine cabinet, thrown away or flushed, unused prescriptions can be dangerous to people, animals, or the environment.
Scientists recently discovered, for instance, that prescription drugs making their way into rivers are causing salmon to act erratically.
Deadly overdoses in Idaho hit a state record of 386 lives lost in 2023. Drug disposal is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent potential prescription misuse and/or overdose.
“Drug misuse and accidental ingestion commonly happen in the home,” said Health Education Specialist Eli Thompson. “By removing unneeded medications, we can greatly reduce the risk of incidents happening in the first place.”
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.
Other Take Back drop-off locations:
Twin Falls: Fred Meyer Parking Lot (705 Blue Lakes Blvd N)
Kimberly: Kimberly-Hansen Police Department (242 Highway 30)
Gooding: The Walker Center (605 11th Ave E)
Jerome: Jerome Police Department (223 1st Ave E)
Heyburn: Heyburn Police Department (1800 J St)
Can’t make it Saturday for some reason? Find year-round drop off locations at odp.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-take-back-program.