People gather unwanted medications at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay for national Drug Take Back Day on October 28, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Once again, Wisconsin ranks number one in the country for the most prescription medications collected during last month’s Drug Take Back Day.
Twice a year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hosts Drug Take Back Day across the country, as a way to safely collect unwanted and expired prescription medications.
During the fall event on Oct. 28, Wisconsin collected 53,122 lbs. of medications.
Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for the most medications collected since the program’s inception in 2010, falling only behind Texas with 1,379,669 lbs. and California with 1,372,361 lbs. collected. Nationwide, since inception, 17,900,351 lbs. of unwanted medications have been collected during Drug Take Back events.
“Because of collaboration among many partners around the state and the commitment of Wisconsinites to helping to keep their communities safe, we continue to lead the nation in drug take back,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to everyone who participated this fall in Drug Take Back Day.”
Drug Take Back provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of medications.
While Drug Take Back Day only happens twice a year, any day can be Drug Take Back Day at one of Wisconsin’s more than 490 permanent drug disposal boxes. These boxes are accessible year-round at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics. To find a permanent drug disposal box near you, click here.
Comments