Clean Out the Medicine Cabinet Ahead of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

LOCAL EVENT

Saturday, April 22 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Mesa County residents are encouraged to get rid of their unwanted or expired prescriptions to keep kids and adults from misusing them. People may do so safely at several locations in Mesa County throughout the week. These collection sites will only take prescriptions during their regular business hours listed below.

TAKE BACK LOCATIONS

GRAND JUNCTION

Canyon View Pharmacy
2373 G Rd. Suite 120
Mon.- Fri. 8:30AM – 6:30PM
970-644-4380

St. Mary’s Hospital
2635 N 7th St.
Box in Main Lobby
Open 24 hours
970-298-2273

Walgreens
240 W Park Dr.
Mon.-Fri. 10AM-6PM
970-208-1252

Safeway
All locations
Hours vary by location
970-257-0233

FRUITA

Family Health West
300 W Ottley Ave.
Mon.-Fri. 7AM-6PM
970-858-3900

PALISADE

Palisade Pharmacy

707 Elberta Ave. Suite B
Mon.-Fri. 9AM-6PM
Sat. 9AM-3PM

970-464-5668

PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Keep these practices in mind as you take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

• Keep your medicine in the bottle when you return it.
• Don’t crush your medicine. It can create a dangerously high dose that could accidentally be taken in through skin contact or breathing.
• Items you cannot drop off include:
  • Aerosol cans
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Illegal drugs
  • Inhalers
  • Needles 
  • Thermometers
  • Liquids
  • Lotions
  • Empty bottles
• Do not flush pills or dump liquid medication down the drain. It could hurt the environment and potentially harm the food and water supply.
• If you must dispose of medication at home:
  • Remove labels, or cross out any identifying information on the container.
  • Mix the medicine with something that cannot be eaten, like kitty litter, coffee grounds, or saw dust. Put in a sealable bag or other container that won’t leak.
  • Wrap the container in newspaper or a plain brown bag to conceal its contents and place it into the trash.
• Needles are accepted at the Mesa County Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.
  • They are open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 AM to 4:15 PM.
  • The service is free for the public.
  • The needle must be enclosed in a hard, plastic container. For example, an empty laundry detergent bottle would work.
  • There must not be any substances left inside of it.
  • The facility accepts over-the-counter medications as well, but not prescriptions.

BACKGROUND

Prescription drug use and misuse is an issue that impacts residents of all ages in Mesa County. The overall overdose rate per 10,000 people in Mesa County is highest in 12-17 year olds, but opioid overdose is most prevalent in 25-44 year olds. In 2021, 38 residents died from an overdose, doubling the number of deaths just three years prior in 2018. Over the past 12 months, monthly overdose visits to local emergency departments and outpatient clinics remained steady. Opioid prescription rates have declined steadily since 2016, but still remain higher in Mesa County than Colorado.

“The drug overdose epidemic is a serious public health and safety threat,” said Brandon Gray with the Mesa County Opioid Response Group. “We are committed to making the community safer and healthier, by connecting key organizations to address all aspects of substance misuse. Participating in events like these help raise awareness of the issue and promote safety for those around you.” 

The Mesa County Opioid Response Group (MCORG) is working to address substance misuse in the community by expanding drug misuse prevention and education and improving treatment access and retention. Learn more about MCORG’s current work and opportunities to get involved at healthymesacounty.org.