San Luis Obispo County is hosting a Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, October 24.
The event will take place in the parking lot at the California Highway Patrol, located at 675 California Blvd. in San Luis Obispo. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., people can drop off unwanted and expired medications in a no-contact drive-through.
Items that will be accepted include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication ointments and lotions, inhalers, and liquid medication in leak-proof containers.
Needles/sharps, thermometers, aerosol cans, medical waste, personal care products, and hydrogen peroxide will not be accepted.
According to the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program at the University of Baltimore, drug overdoses have spiked roughly 18% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health officials say safely disposing of unwanted and expired medications can help ensure that those drugs do not harm those who are struggling to cope during these difficult times, as well as those who should not have access to the medications in the first place.
"Now more than ever, keeping unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home creates a serious health risk, especially if pets or children live with you or visit you," said Jenn Rhoads, SLO Opioid Safety Coalition Coordinator.
If you can not make it to the Drug Take Back Day event, unwanted and expired medications can be dropped off year-round at any San Luis Obispo County pharmacy.
