National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

October 24, 2020 at 10:00 am – 2:00 pm


Across the country, an estimated 9.9 million Americans misuse prescription drugs, and studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet1. To help prevent misuse of prescription drugs, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), along with its state and local partners, hold National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events each spring and fall across the country to provide an opportunity for Americans a safely and securely dispose of unused and expired prescription medication.

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10am-2pm, and the Office of Drug Policy (ODP) is encouraging local organizations across the state to coordinate Take Back Day events in their communities to help Idahoans properly dispose of medications and prevent prescription drug misuse in our state. To help organizations plan Take Back Day activities, ODP put together an Event Planning Toolkit with step-by-step planning instructions, promotional materials, how-to guides, and helpful tips to successfully organize and advertise the event throughout the community.

On the last National Take Back Day in 2019, there were 38 Take Back Day events across Idaho and 5,402 pounds of drugs collected. This October, our goal is to increase those numbers by 25% and organize at least 47 Take Back Day events and collect at least 6,752 pounds of drugs statewide.

Together, we can reach our goals and help prevent prescription drug misuse in Idaho. To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and find a local Take Back Day even in your community, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov.

1SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017 and 2018.

Residents’ Rights

If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, then residents’ rights matter!

Idahoans maybe unaware that their rights continue even though they are residing in a long-term care facility.  Rights do not end once you step through the door of a nursing home or assisted living, rather knowing your rights become even more important.  Exercising your rights has no time limitations, age criteria or location requirements.

Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to do assessments of needs upon admission and develop a plan of care which is centered around your personal needs, preferences, and values. 

Care plans should be developed with each individual resident in mind.  What are your likes, dislikes, what do you enjoy doing and when would you like to do it?


Making and communicating your preferences and needs for care will increase quality of life and overall satisfaction.


Your Rights Include:
  • Right to a dignified existence.
  • Right to self-determination.
  • Right to be fully-informed.
  • Right to raise grievances.
  • Right of access.
  • Rights regarding financial affairs.
  • Rights during discharge or transfer.

Awareness of your rights is the first step to exercising them.

Each facility should have posted residents’ rights in a common area where they are accessible to resident and family.  If you are not able to find a copy of the residents’ rights in your facility, ask a staff where they are located. If you feel that your rights are not being respected contact your local ombudsman and they will advocate for you and assure your rights are honored.

Ombudsman resolve complaints, protect rights, and promote access to services and good care for resident residing in Long Term Care facilities.  The Older Americans Act (OAA), Title VII, Chapter 2, Sections 711/712 and 45 CFR § 1324.13 Federal Regulation require the Ombudsman program provide services to assist residents in protecting their health, safety, welfare and rights. 

Return to Your Key to Successful Aging

Idaho Family Dinner Night

Celebrate Idaho Family Dinner Night on September 22!

Eating together regularly as a family is one of the best ways to build and maintain strong relationships with your children. Frequent family dinners are linked to positive benefits for youth, including lower rates of substance use, decreased stress, higher self-esteem, and better academic performance in school.

That’s why the Office of Drug Policy (ODP) is kicking off an Idaho Family Dinner Night campaign to encourage parents across the state to celebrate Idaho Family Dinner Night on September 22 and make family meals a regular event in their homes.

Idaho Family Dinner Recipe Guide

To help families celebrate and connect around the dinner table, ODP created the Idaho Family Dinner Recipe Guide, which is filled with conversation starters, games and activities, and simple, budget-friendly recipes, including:

  • Easy Cheesy Enchiladas
  • Easy Turkey Skillet Dinner
  • Hot Stuff Casserole
  • Tasty Italian Chicken
  • Apple Crisp

To develop the Recipe Guide and share resources with parents, ODP has partnered with The Family Dinner Project, a national nonprofit initiative that champions family dinner as an opportunity for family members to connect with each other through food, fun, and conversation about things that matter. ODP is encouraging Idaho parents to sign up for The Family Dinner Project’s free online program – Food, Fun, and Conversation: 4 Weeks to Better Family Dinners – for tools and resources to help make family dinners a household staple in just four weeks.

For more information about Idaho Family Dinner Night, download the Recipe Guide, and learn how to become a family dinner pro in three easy steps, visit https://odp.idaho.gov/family-dinner-night/