Mitchell County Public Health Promotes National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Mitchell County Public Health encourages participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 26th.  This is a vital part of efforts to reduce prescription drug misuse and promote the safe disposal of unused, expired, or unwanted medications.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way for community members to dispose of prescription medications. The event helps to prevent accidental poisoning, drug misuse, and environmental contamination that can occur when medications are not disposed of properly.

Why Participate?

• Prevent misuse: Unused prescription drugs in homes are a leading cause of drug abuse. Many teens and young adults gain access to medications through family or friends, often without the person’s knowledge.
• Protect the environment: Flushing medications or throwing them in the trash can lead to contamination of water supplies, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
• Safe disposal: By participating in Take Back Day, individuals ensure their unused medications are disposed of safely and appropriately.

How It Works:

• Bring your unused, expired, or unwanted medications to the drop-off location.
• No questions asked: Participants can drop off medications anonymously and without the need for identification.

Drop off Locations:

• Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office, 211 S 6th St, Osage, Iowa 50461.  Drop off box is located right inside the front doors.  Drop off available 24/7
• St. Ansgar Pharmacy, 140 W 4th St, St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472.  Drop off box located inside the pharmacy.  Drop-off during pharmacy business hours only.
• Osage Police Department, 432 Main St, Osage, Iowa 50461.  Drop off during business hours only.

Help make a difference—clean out your medicine cabinet and dispose of medications safely today.

Join Us for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and help make Mitchell County safer for all!

Posted April 22, 2025