ROCHESTER, Minn. — Dispose of unneeded medications safely during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Olmsted Medical Center, Zumbro Valley Medical Society and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will host a community drop-off event to collect unused or expired medications. New this year, the Rochester Fire Department, Olmsted County Drug & Alcohol Response Team, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Rochester Police Department will be onsite with optional interactive opportunities to learn more about community drug safety and emergency response.  

"The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office looks forward to working with our community partners to offer a safe way to dispose of any unneeded medications and to provide education and assistance to community members looking for information regarding drug safety including how to use naloxone," says Capt. Tim Parkin of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone can anonymously drop off medications in Rochester on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayo Family Clinic Northeast, 3041 Stonehedge Drive NE. This is a change from previous events held at Mayo Clinic's Gonda Building in downtown Rochester.

"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events are a great way to take back and dispose of unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications," says Benjamin Lai, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., a family medicine physician and chair of Mayo Clinic's Opioid Stewardship Program.

Dr. Lai adds that the new location provides a quick and convenient place for people to drive through and drop off their excess medications, as well as a family educational experience for those who park to visit with public health and safety representatives. "Ask the DART team about naloxone. In my book, it's a must for most families' first aid kits," he says.

Medications accepted for safe disposal at take-back locations include:

• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter medications
• Ointments, patches, creams, inhalers and vials
• Pet medications
• Nonaerosol medications

Liquid medications must be in the original container. Vape pens and other e-cigarette devices are accepted with the batteries removed. 

"Unused medications stored in the home can increase the risk of accidental ingestion by children and pets," says Dr. Lai. "It could also lead to medications, especially opioids, landing in the wrong hands, further fueling the already devastating opioid crisis in our country."

For those who live outside of Rochester, visit the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day website to find a drop off location in your area.

Community members who cannot attend the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event can dispose of medications safely in the prescription drug collection box at the Olmsted County Government Center. The box is in the vestibule of the Adult Detention Center and is accessible around the clock every day of the year. Several pharmacies in the community also offer collection boxes — locate your nearest box with the DEA's year-round disposal site locator tool.

Alert to journalists: Journalists interested in covering the event are invited to arrive between 10 and 11 a.m. Representatives from participating agencies will be available for onsite interviews.

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Vincent Jacobbi, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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