WHO: The Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC) and Blue Cross of Idaho
 
WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
WHERE: Blue Cross of Idaho (parking lot), 3000 E. Pine Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
 
WHAT: The Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC) in partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho will be holding a Prescription Drug Take-back event on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blue Cross of Idaho. This is a convenient drive-through event for community members to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

This Prescription Drug Take-back event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) bi-annual National Take-back Day, to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. It's crucial to get rid of unused medication as studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. According to the Idaho Healthy Youth Survey (2021), while a majority of youth did not report misusing prescription drugs, of those that did: nearly 74% misused the medication in their own home. Participating in this initiative can help prevent drug abuse and protect our families.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent drug abuse in our community. Properly disposing of unused medications is one easy way to help ensure prescription drugs are not abused or diverted by loved ones,” said Kendall Nagy, MADC Director.
 
Community members dropping off medications at this event will receive information about additional resources to help save lives. In addition, this event will provide safe disposal of vapes and e-cigarette devices (batteries must be removed). Lithium batteries are a fire hazard and must be removed and safely disposed of at a Hazardous Waste collection site.
 
In addition to this event, the Meridian Police Department has a safe disposal box for medications located in the lobby at the Central Station,1401 E. Watertower St. and the Northwest Station, 4232 N. Owyhee Storm. This service is available to Meridian residents M-F 8-5PM (no sharps accepted).
 
For more information about this Meridian event, contact Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition Director Kendall Nagy at 208-559-7528.