National Drug Take Back Day

The drop box is only for prescription drugs.

Liquid and over the counter medications don't need to be turned in.

In new this morning on daybreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought on many challenges for everyone.

And that's leading some people to turn to prescription drugs... increasing the nation's opioid epidemic dramatically.

As kimt news 3's madelyne watkins explains... national drug take back day might not be happening in rochester this year... but there is still a way to get unused medication off the streets.

She joins us live now.

Good morning, madelyne./// brooke and tyler.

Every year... people here in the med city are able to drive thru a drug take back event at mayo clinic and drop off any expired or unused prescriptions.

Well the pandemic caused that to be canceled this year... but if you have some medication to get off your hands... you can bring it right here to the olmsted county government center and drop it in this box.

This drop off box is right inside the adult detention center and it's open 24 hours a day ?

"*?

"* seven d week.

In previous years... olmsted county has collected hundreds of pounds worth of unused or expired medication during the drug take back event.

Sheriff kevin torgerson tells me the pandemic has made it difficult for those who misuse to get their hands on prescription drugs.

He says getting rid of anything that might attract them is key to lowering the "they'll take them.

They may not take the whole bottle, they may just take a few and throw them in their pocket and they don't care what they are.

That's the issue with addiction, is it's a really tough illness to crack and when they've got it, they'll go to any length to get it."

As i mentioned... you can access this box everyday at anytime.

However, there will be deputies with the narcotics department here on saturday for national drug take back day from 10 a?

"*m until 2 p?

*n case you need any assistance.

Live in rochester.

Madelyne watkins kimt thank you madelyne.

The sheriff wants to stress that the drop off box is only for ?

"(prescription drugs.

Liquid and over the counter medications don't need to