Note: The below information was distributed by Join Together Northern Nevada, a partner of Northern Nevada Public Health
Oct. 9, 2024. Reno, Nev. – Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN) along with local law enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and community partners are hosting the semiannual Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT at nine locations throughout Washoe County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 136 people die each day from overdoses involving prescription and illicit opioids. The Prescription Drug Round Up was created to encourage residents to remove old medications from their homes to eliminate the potential for abuse or dependence by those who have access to unlocked medicine cabinets such as young children and teenagers.
Rates of prescription drug misuse and Opioid Use Disorder in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Many of those who report misuse of prescription medication say they get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet. Additionally, when medication is put down drains, it can pollute our water and unintentionally expose the community and wildlife to the chemicals in those medications. The Prescription Round Up is a unique opportunity for the Washoe County community to protect their loved ones, the community, and the environment.
Anne-Elizabeth Northan, Executive Director of Join Together Northern Nevada says, “The Prescription Drug Take back provides a vital opportunity for all community members to engage in prevention of substance misuse and disorder. It is our responsibility to dispose of unused and expired medications to keep them out of the hands of our loved ones, while protecting our environment from harmful chemicals. JTNN looks forward to seeing you at this year’s take back event as you do your part to change outcomes for everyone.”
Area residents can turn in unused and expired prescription medications to any one of nine Washoe County collection locations with no questions asked. Residential sharps will not be accepted for disposal. For more information visit www.jtnn.org.
Date and Time:
Saturday October 19th, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PDT only
9 Local Collection Site Locations:
Reno
- Raley’s – 18144 Wedge Parkway, Reno
- Raley’s – 1630 Robb Drive, Reno
- Reno Elks Lodge – 597 Kumle Lane, Reno
- Smith’s – 175 Lemmon Drive, Reno
- Smith’s – 750 South Meadows Parkway, Reno
Sparks
- Smith’s – 1255 Baring Blvd., Sparks
- Baldini’s Sports Casino & Restaurant: 865 S Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431
Spanish Springs
- Reno Sparks Indian Colony Smoke Shop- 7655 Pyramid Way, Sparks
Cold Springs
- Cold Springs Community Center- 3355 White Lake Pkwy., Reno
Residents outside of Washoe County who’d like to dispose of their prescription drugs can visit Take Back Day (dea.gov) to find a collection site near them.
The Prescription Drug Take Back Day is supported by Join Together Northern Nevada, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Nevada Public Health, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Elks Drug Awareness Program, National Guard Counterdrug Program, Alliance with the Washoe County Medical Society, Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists, Nevada State Medical Association, Raley’s, Retail Association of Nevada, Smith’s Food and Drug, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Veteran’s Administration Pharmacists.
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About Join Together Northern Nevada
Join Together Northern Nevada, a nonprofit organization, has a mission to build successful partnerships to create healthy, drug-free communities.
About Northern Nevada Public Health
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.