Drug Take-Back Day Scheduled For Saturday, October 26

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Spearheaded in 2010, the purpose of the nationwide initiative is to allow people to safely dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pills at specified drop off sites.  The proper disposal of these drugs can help prevent abuse and theft by eliminating the product from the household.  

This service is free of charge, anonymous, and there are no questions asked. October 26 will be the seventh time in three years that the DEA and partners have offered this opportunity to the public.  

During the sixth annual Take-Back Day last April, South Dakotans turned in 1,146 pounds of prescription drugs.

For the October 26 event, there are currently 22 participants hosting collection sites in South Dakota, with five of those sites available on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.  The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement has coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the DEA to provide the following sites for medication disposal:

Eagle Butte:         Cultural Center   
Whitehorse:          Community Building
Cherry Creek:       Community Clinic
Red Scaffold:        Community Clinic
LaPlante:               Tiospaye Topa School  

“I encourage anyone with expired or unused prescription drugs to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of them safely and properly,” said U.S. Attorney Johnson.  "I especially applaud the law enforcement at Cheyenne River for their efforts in securing five locations on the reservation as drop-off sites.  I’m hopeful that residents of these tribal communities will join in this effort to help ensure these drugs don’t harm people or the environment.”  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rich will be on hand in Eagle Butte for the event.  

Take-Back Day is a cooperative effort between the DEA; the U.S. Attorney’s Office; national, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials; and community coalition groups who work together to support and provide this community service.

For a listing of collection sites, or for more information on the Take-Back initiative, visit the DEA website: www.DEA.gov