Drop off unwanted or unused medications and prescriptions for National Medicines Take-Back Day

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – National Drug Take Back Day takes place twice a year on the last Saturdays of April and October. Today, two groups in the Chattahoochee Valley are participating in helping individuals take one small step into action: one that could prevent a lifelong addiction.

“We leave medications in our cabinets and think, you know, there’s nothing to it, but it also just gives access to anyone who comes to our home and knows that those medications are in our cabinets,” said Jessica Ricks, coordinator for substance abuse prevention. . “This essentially prevents accidental prescription overdoses from happening in our community.”

For the second time this year, the West Central Health District and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to host their Drug Take Back event and provide free Narcan to attendees. The drive-thru is currently being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Parkway and allows people to return unused or expired medications with no questions asked. Properly disposing of drugs can further prevent substance abuse and help keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

“Narcan is an opioid reversal drug, so when someone experiences an opioid overdose, he or she can use Naloxone; you just administer it right down the individual’s nose,” Ricks said. “Naloxone gives individuals additional time to reach emergency services.”

If you are unable to come today, you can drop off any unwanted medications on the fourth floor of the Government Center.