Families encouraged to participate in drug take back event October 29

WOOD COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) – On Saturday, October 29th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Department of Justice are sponsoring a prescription drug take back event throughout Wisconsin. Take back events provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of medications. Remember to never flush or drain unused/expired prescription medications. These substances can contaminate our water supply if not disposed of properly. Parents/guardians, grandparents, and other adults who spend time with youth are especially encouraged to participate in an effort to prevent prescriptions drugs from being taken and misused.

Local law enforcement, in collaboration with IMPACT Wood County and Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY), are participating in events on Saturday, October 29th at the following Wood County locations:

• Marshfield City Hall (10am-2pm)
• Nekoosa Piggly Wiggly (8 am-12pm)
• Pick ‘n Save – Wisconsin Rapids Location (10am-2pm)
• Pittsville Police Department (9am-12pm)
• Port Edwards Fire Department (11am-1pm)
• Town of Rome Police Department, Adams County (10am-2pm)

Bring: Capsules, creams, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, ointments, pills, patches, vials, liquids (in original containers), pet medications, vape pens or other e-cigarette devices with batteries removed.

Do not bring: Aerosol cans, anything containing blood or a bodily fluid, household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), illegal drugs, iodine containing medications, mercury thermometers, personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), sharps* (i.e. syringes, lancets, needles are accepted only at the Marshfield event), or vape devices containing built-in batteries that cannot be removed.

*Sharps disposals located at Aspirus Riverview Hospital main entrance, Aspirus Doctor’s Clinic 1st floor, Marshfield Medical Center emergency room entrance, and Marshfield Police Department main lobby. The Marshfield drug take back location will accept sharps.

Those who cannot attend a take back event can drop off unwanted medications at a Wood County law enforcement agency or at pharmacies with a disposal kiosk: CVS in Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield Clinic Pharmacy (main clinic and Central Avenue), and Walgreens in Wisconsin Rapids. Remember to store any medications you are taking in a secure location.

If you are homebound or know of someone who needs safe at-home disposal options, or to request a lock box/drawer safe for securing medications, contact Jacob with the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8907.

For more information and a listing of additional take back sites throughout Wisconsin, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm.

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