Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Police Department will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

On Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local law enforcement, pharmacies, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is promoting the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Community members are encouraged to bring unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medication to a collection site for safe disposal

Bring your pills for disposal at one of the collection sites (Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches.)  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

If you are among the first to dispose of your medication, you will receive a free medication lockbox while supplies last.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.