By Wyatt Boyle | KOAL News
The war on drugs continues as Utah State University Extension – HEART hosts its biannual prescription take-back day, taking place in Carbon and Emery counties on Saturday, April 18. Take-back day is the time to return any expired prescriptions and drugs, network with the community and learn about local, accessible resources.
The event is accessible to anyone who lives in Price and Emery counties and is a safe, easy, anonymous drive-up. The event is largely intended to help combat substance-use disorders.
“A lot of people, over 50 percent, that use substances that are not prescribed to them actually get them from family and friends who have the best of intentions,” Dr. Ashley Yaugher from USU Extension – HEART said. “But that can be a very slippery slope for someone if they are genetically predisposed to experience that substance use disorder.”
The event is a safe way to dispose of prescription medications, powders, pills, and liquids cluttering up your home. Other objects can be submitted, such as sharps, syringes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices (without batteries).
“A lot of times people think that we only are looking for narcotics or opioids or prescription medications,” said Yaugher. “But we want to get all medications that are expired, or you don’t want anymore, including antibiotics, Advil, Tylenol, NSAIDs, anything in your cabinet.”
Prescription take-back day will be held at two locations. One in Carbon County on Main Street at 40 West Main St., by Ruben’s Barbecue. The other is in Emery County at the Huntington Fire Station, located at 360 N Main St.
Throwing away prescriptions and drugs on your own can also be harmful to the environment.
“You shouldn’t be flushing or putting these in landfills,” said Yaugher. “This is a great way to help the environment and keep our water clean.”
The event is meant to help educate and bring the community together. Food will be provided to the first 40 people who show up in Price and the first 30 in Huntington. Members of various community organizations, such as the H.O.P.E Squad, Four Corners and USU Extension Heart, will be in attendance. Also present will be the Carbon and Emery County Sheriff’s Office, who have played a key role in the event.
“If you miss your local Take Back Day and need to dispose of prescription medications, you can find year-round drop-off locations or other resources for local Carbon & Emery substance use disorder or recovery needs online at https://extension.usu.edu/heart/resource-books or https://www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day,” said a social media post of the event.
Prescription take-back day runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. For more information on the event, you can check the USU Extension Heart Facebook page or contact Dr. Yaugher at ashley.yaugher@usu.edu.
