October 10, 2020
October 24 is National Drug Take Back Day!
Drug Take Back Day is an annual event to educate the public on the dangers of medication abuse and misuse, and encourage the public to properly dispose of their unused medications. As part of Take Back Day, prescription drug collection locations will be operating on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following Skagit County locations:
- Anacortes: Anacortes Police Department, 1218 24th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
- Burlington: Public Safety Building, 311 Cedar Street, Burlington, WA 98233 Burlington, WA 98233
- La Conner: Swinomish Tribal Police Department, 17557 Front Street, La Conner, WA 98257
- Mount Vernon: Skagit Valley YMCA, 1901 Hoag Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
- Sedro-Woolley: Sedro-Woolley City Hall, 325 Metcalf St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Note: Due to COVID-19, sites will be providing drive-through services this year. Please remain within your vehicle, wear a mask, and adhere to all posted directions when you arrive at the take back location.
This event is for the public to dispose of unused or expired prescription medication in a safe and easy way. Sites will accept both Prescription and over-the-counter medications. Medications can remain in their original containers and labels do not need to be removed. Medications not in their original containers will also be accepted.
Disposal of waste medicines is also available every day in Skagit County through the Secure Medicine Return Program operated by MED-Project LLC. Prescription medicines, legally prescribed controlled substances (e.g. narcotics and stimulants), over the counter medicines, and pet medications can all be disposed year round via the following MED-Project options:
- Drop Boxes: Deposit medicine in drop boxes located at select Skagit County pharmacies and law enforcement agencies. Current Drop Box locations are listed at https://med-project.org/locations/skagit/convenient-locations/. Continue to check the website as the program will expand collection locations.
- Mailer Sent to Individuals: Order pre-paid, pre-addressed no-cost medicine return mailers, to be sent directly to your home. Please go to https://med-project.org/locations/skagit/mail-back/ or call 1-844-633-7765 to order mailers. You can get standard mailers or special mailers for inhalers and prefilled auto-injectors.
- Mailers Distribution Locations: Pick up a no-cost mailer at participating municipal building like fire stations, city halls and libraries. Continue to check https://med-project.org/locations/skagit/convenient-locations/ for an up to date and ever growing list of mailer distribution location near you.
According to the Washington State Health Care Authority, “75 percent of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them — usually taken from a friend or family member.” Simple steps, like safely disposing of medications, can stop them from being misused. Participating in take-back events or disposing of waste medicine through MED-Project is one thing that individuals can do to help positively impact the opioid crisis and protect loved ones.
For more information about National Drug Take Back Day, visit: https://takebackday.dea.gov/.
For additional information on the Secure Medicine Return Program please visit www.skagitcounty.net/medicinereturn or call Skagit County Department of Public Health at 360-416-1500
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