MOLINE, Ill. — According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the number of overdose deaths nationally has steadily increased over the years. In 2020, more than 91,000 Americans died from an overdose. Those drugs could include illicit drugs, as well as prescription opioids. The federal government doesn't track death rates for every drug. However, the steady increase shows it is a problem.
Organizations exist to try and get no longer-needed prescription drugs off the streets so they are not abused. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says, "Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision."
Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration says, "Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply."
On Saturday, a national prescription drug take back initiative will take place at participating organizations across the nation, giving people a chance to safely dispose of their no longer needed, or expired prescription drugs. The take back event will take place on Saturday, October 29th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Locations in the WQAD viewing area include:
Illinois:
Moline Police Department - 1640 6th Avenue, Moline
Silvis Police Department - 600 Illini Drive, Silvis
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office - 1317 3rd Avenue, Rock Island
East Moline Police Department - 915 16th Avenue, East Moline
Colona Police Department - 315 1st Street, Colona
Milan Police Department - 405 E. 1st Street, Milan
Geneseo Police Department - 119 South Oakwood Avenue, Geneseo
Galesburg Police Department - 150 S. Broad Street, Galesburg
Monmouth Police Department - 500 S. Main Street, Monmouth
Kewanee Police Department - 401 East Third Street, Kewanee
Princeton Police Department - 605 Elm Place, Princeton
Dixon Police Department - 220 South Hennepin Avenue, Dixon
Iowa:
DeWitt Police Department - 1505 6th Avenue, DeWitt
Durant Police Department - 1107 5th Street, Durant
Clinton County Sheriff's Office - 241 7th Avenue North, Clinton
Bellevue Police Department - 106 N. 3rd Street, Bellevue
Maquoketa Police Department - 102 S. Niagra Street, Maquoketa
Sabula Police Department - 411 Broad Street, Sabula
Cedar County Law Center - 711 E. South Street, Tipton
Iowa City VA Medical Center 601 US-6 West, Iowa City
You can also find a location nearest you by clicking here and adding your zipcode to the search field.