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.