Drug Takeback Day is April 15

Safe Medication Disposal Supports Community Health Year-Round

Drug Take Back Day, on Wednesday, April 15, serves as an important reminder of the role safe medication disposal plays in protecting community health. Properly disposing of unused or expired medications helps reduce the risk of misuse, accidental ingestion and environmental harm.

Unused medications stored in the home can create preventable safety concerns. Children and adolescents may accidentally access medications, while leftover prescriptions may contribute to misuse or substance use challenges within the community. Safe disposal is a simple but effective prevention strategy.

From a behavioral health perspective, prevention remains a key component of supporting individual and community well-being. Reducing access to unused medications helps lower the risk of substance misuse and supports safer home environments.

While Drug Take Back Day brings attention to this issue, safe medication disposal is available year-round. Ongoing access ensures that community members can take action at any time, rather than waiting for a single event.

Local disposal options include:

• A permanent medication drop-off box located at the Oneida Police Department, providing a secure and anonymous way to dispose of medications.
• Medication disposal pouches available for pickup at Oneida Behavioral Health facility, allowing medications to be safely deactivated and discarded in household trash.

Both options are free and designed to increase accessibility while promoting safe practices.

Routine review of household medications, including the removal of expired or unused prescriptions, supports overall community safety. Small actions such as proper disposal contribute to broader efforts to reduce substance misuse and promote health.

Drug Take Back Day highlights an important issue, but the opportunity to protect community well-being exists every day through safe medication disposal.

This April, we encourage everyone to participate in Drug Take Back Day and protect our community. Oneida Behavioral Health is here to walk alongside you on the path to wellness. Visit our website or call (920) 490-3790 to learn more about services available.

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