National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24

By Ruth K. Linkenmeyer Meirick, MN Farm Bureau Foundation Director

While news headlines are still dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid epidemic is ongoing, and is taking a toll on farm and ranch families across the country. In fact, 74% of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly impacted by the opioid epidemic, according to a national poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation.

That’s why Farm Bureau, along with National Farmers Union, created the Farm Town Strong campaign to help farm families overcome addiction with strong farmer-to-farmer support, and there are things everyone can do to help. We should all be mindful of any opioid prescriptions we may have at home, and make sure not to leave them unsecured. It’s important not to share these medications, and to dispose of them promptly when they are no longer needed.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 24, is the perfect opportunity for cleaning out our medicine cabinets and properly disposing of any unused or expired medications, including opioids. Sheriff’s departments, local police stations and other locations across the country will be accepting old and unneeded prescription medications for disposal that day. Visit takebackday.dea.gov and use the collection site locator to find an event near you.

Do your part to prevent prescription drug abuse by taking part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. You could be a lifesaver.