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4 clusters · 16 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Overview

The 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026. Coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alongside various local agencies, the biannual initiative provides free and anonymous ways for residents to dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. The program aims to prevent drug misuse, reduce environmental contamination, and mitigate risks of accidental poisoning. Specific local implementation details have been announced across several regions. In southwestern Pennsylvania, collection sites include the Penn Highlands Mon Valley campus in partnership with the Carroll Township Police Department. Additionally, Penn State Health is partnering with the DEA and local police to offer drive-through collection sites at six locations, including the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and facilities in Lancaster, State College, Harrisburg, Palmyra, and Camp Hill. These sites will accept unwanted medications, needles, and syringes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Franklin County, SWACO and local law enforcement will host collection sites specifically for the disposal of dry prescription pills. In Montgomery County, the Department of Police has announced nine collection locations, including various community centers and police stations. In Florida, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is conducting ‘Operation Medicine Cabinet’ at a Walmart in The Villages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event focuses on expired or unused prescription pills but, unlike the Penn State initiative, will not accept needles or liquids. Newer details indicate expanded participation in the Midwest and Northeast. In Kansas, the Pittsburg Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, and Coffeyville Police Department will host sites, with additional locations in Missouri and Oklahoma. In New York, collection points include Alstar EMS in Dunkirk and The Chautauqua Center in Jamestown. Participants are encouraged to bring solid forms like tablets, capsules, and patches.

Entities

Drug Enforcement Administration · Sumter County Sheriff’s Office · Penn Highlands Mon Valley · Penn State Health · Pittsburg Police Department

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 24

    The DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 24, offering anonymous medication disposal at thousands of locations nationwide to prevent drug misuse.

  2. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day scheduled for October 24

    On October 24, 2026, multiple U.S. regions will host National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events to provide safe, anonymous disposal of unused medications to prevent abuse and environmental harm.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set for October 24

    The DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24 offers residents in various U.S. locations, including Massachusetts and Hawaiʻi, safe and anonymous ways to dispose of unused medications.

  4. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events scheduled

    National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Oct. 24, featuring medication collection sites across southwestern Pennsylvania to prevent drug misuse and environmental contamination.

Sources

1470kyyw.com · columbus.org · goodmorninggloucester.com · hardwickgazette.org · heraldstandard.com · klaw.com · mauinow.com · mocoshow.com · newstalkkzrg.com · nvrh.org · observer-reporter.com · pennstatehealthnews.org · realradio804.com · villages-news.com · we-ha.com · wrfalp.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history