Wood County Encouraged to Participate in Drug Take back Event

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WOOD COUNTY, WI (Submitted to OnFocus) – On Saturday, October 23, 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.

Those who participate at Wood County events may receive a coupon for coffee or a free Powers Bluff County Park winter recreation tow line or trail user pass (tubing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat tire biking). 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 Healthy People Wood County AOD Prevention Partnership and Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY), are participating in events on Saturday, October 23rd at the following Wood County locations:

  • Pick ‘n Save – Wisconsin Rapids Location (10 a.m – 2 p.m.)
  • Pittsville Police Department (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
  • Port Edwards Fire Department (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
  • Marshfield City Hall (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • Nekoosa Court ( 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
  • Town of Rome Police Department, Adams County (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) 

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/ syringes* (only accepted at Marshfield location), or vape devices containing batteries of any kind.

*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, they may be at certain events or, contact Ashley with Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8923.

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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News Desk
Author: News Desk