Another Successful Drug Take Back Day

Knox County had good participation in Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day with 103 lbs. of unwanted and
expired medications collected at five different locations. In addition to medications, the event also
included the collection of used sharps, such as lancets and syringes.

Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide event that happens twice a year – in the spring and fall – and is
sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In Knox County, the event is coordinated by
KSAAT, the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team with support from local law enforcement and Knox
Community Hospital

For anyone who was to unable to participate in Drug Take Back Day, unwanted medications can be
disposed of throughout the year at drop-boxes located in Knox County. Those locations include: Knox
County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericktown Police Department, Danville Police Department, Mount Vernon
Police Department, CVS and the Mount Vernon Rite-Aid. At these locations, medications should be
placed in a clear, sealable bag. Only pills can be disposed of at the drop-off boxes: no liquids, inhalers,
sharps, or illegal drugs should be placed in in the drop-boxes.

Local residents can also dispose of unwanted medications using a Deterra Drug Deactivation Bag. The
bags are free and available by contacting Knox Public Health. By simply adding tap water to the bag, a
water absorbing pod inside the bag permanently deactivates pills, patches, liquids, creams and films.
The bag is them sealed and disposed of in a home trash receptacle.

For more information on KSAAT and local efforts to education adults and youth on the dangers of
harmful drugs, contact Baylee Ruggles, coordinator for Drug Free Communities at Knox Public Health
at 740-392-2200 ext.2311. or bruggles@knoxhealth.com.