Staff from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and the Bismarck Police Department will host a Take Back Event on Wednesday, October 28, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event, held at the AgeWell Center (formerly the Burleigh County Senior Center) at 315 N. 20th St. in Bismarck, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way for residents to dispose of prescription drugs.
This initiative seeks to educate the public about the potential for medication misuse and abuse, allowing area residents to properly dispose of unused or unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications. This helps prevent drug diversion and misuse, while also protecting the environment, according to organizers.
Susan Kahler, substance abuse prevention coordinator at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, stated that prescription opioid abuse and overdose is a growing concern across North Dakota. Kahler added that unused medications pose both a public health and safety concern, and the Take Back program offers residents an easy and convenient method to dispose of medications, thereby keeping them from falling into the wrong hands and helping to protect the environment.
The event will accept a variety of items, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, medication samples, and pet medications. Also accepted are vitamins, creams, ointments, patches, inhalers, and non-aerosol sprays. Liquid medications should be in leak-proof containers, and pills in any dosage form can be brought in their original containers or a sealed plastic bag.
However, certain items will not be accepted. These include needles, sharps, syringes with needles, and lancer devices. Aerosol cans, thermometers, and hydrogen peroxide are also not permitted. The event cannot accept illegal drugs or illicit substances, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, chemicals, or empty containers.
Bismarck Police Officer Caity Horne emphasized that proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the community. Officer Horne noted that access to prescription opioids is a key risk factor for abuse and addiction. She further explained that having fewer unused or expired medications available reduces the number of drugs that can be misused, which in turn lowers the risk for individuals experiencing abuse, addiction, overdose, or even death.
The Take Back program itself was first launched in December 2009. Currently, North Dakota offers residents two free, year-round programs for safely disposing of unwanted medications: the Take Back program, available at participating law enforcement agencies, and the MedSafe program, offered at participating pharmacies. North Dakota is unique as the only state in the nation to operate free, year-round, statewide prescription drug disposal programs at both local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.
This specific Take Back event is part of a broader prevention strategy. It is implemented through the State Opioid Res Grant and the Burleigh-Morton Behavioral Health Coalition’s Prevention/Education Subcommittee.
