(Emmetsburg)– Palo Alto county will hold a prescription drug take back event this Saturday (9/29) from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office in Emmetsburg.
Residents are encouraged to drop off outdated, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. The drop-off will be held in the lobby of the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say having unwanted or outdated prescription drugs lying around the house can be both a public safety and public health issue. They site the high rate of abuse of prescription drugs, along with the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, authorities say the traditional methods of getting rid of the drugs, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose safety and health hazards as well.
