Prescription Drug Take Back on October 26

Foster County Public Health is teaming up with the Foster County Sheriff’s Office to take back unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications to the event which will be held at Foster County Public Health on Saturday, Oct. 26th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in conjunction with the Saturday morning immunization clinic. Foster County Public Health is located at 881 Main Street in Carrington. Foster County Sheriff’s Office will be on site. This event is open to all area residents.

Disposal of unused or unwanted medications is an important environmental and public health issue in North Dakota. These products include a wide variety of items such as over-the-counter and prescription medications (such as high blood pressure meds) and controlled substances (such as pain pills, pain patches).

Waste materials can be in the form of solid pills and capsules, creams, liquids, skin patches or aerosols. Improper disposal of medications by dumping, pouring, or flushing can cause them to enter surface waters where they can trigger adverse environmental impacts, including harm to aquatic life. If not disposed of properly, such products can also pose a threat to human health by creating the risk of unintentional overdose or substance misuse.

October 26th is recognized in the United States as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. If the public is unable to stop on Oct. 26th, Foster County has three medication Take Back locations at Carrington Police Department, Carrington Drug and Central Pharmacy. Please note that you can bring your medications to these locations at any other time throughout the year as well. The collection bins are privacy secured to maintain your confidentiality.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that remain in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion and misuse. On average, two North Dakotans die each week from an unintentional drug overdose. Overdose deaths in North Dakota have decreased in recent years with 135 deaths in 2022 and 113 deaths in 2023. (North Dakota Department of Health’s Violent Death Reporting System, preliminary data).

By utilizing this upcoming Take Back event or any of the area Take Back locations, you are keeping yourself, the environment, and those around you safe. Contact Foster County Public Health for more information at 701.652.3087.