WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: Republic Services (front parking lot), 2130 W Franklin Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
WHAT: The Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC) in partnership with Republic Services will be holding a Prescription Drug Take-back event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Republic Services. This is a convenient drive-through event for community members to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

This Prescription Drug Take-back event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) bi-annual National Take-back Day, to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. It's crucial to get rid of unused medication as studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. According to the Idaho Healthy Youth Survey (2021), while a majority of youth did not report misusing prescription drugs, of those that did: nearly 74% misused the medication in their own home. Participating in this initiative can help prevent drug abuse and protect our families.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent drug abuse in our community. Properly disposing of unused medications is one easy way to help ensure prescription drugs are not abused or diverted by loved ones,” said Kendall Nagy, MADC Director.
 
In addition to this event, the Meridian Police Department has a safe disposal box for medications located in the lobby at the Central Station,1401 E. Watertower St., and the Northwest Station, 4232 N. Owyhee Storm. This service is available to Meridian residents M-F 8-5 PM (no sharps accepted).
 
For more information about this Meridian event, contact Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition Director Kendall Nagy at 208-559-7528.