The below press release was written and distributed on behalf of Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN). It’s being published on this page because we believe it’s important safety information but any questions should go to JTNN.
RENO, Nev. (October 12, 2023) – 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 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT at eight locations throughout Washoe County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 128 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 abuse 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, “When we come together as a community to save our loved ones and the environment, we can move the needle on substance misuse and save lives.”
Area residents can turn in unused and expired prescription medications to any one of eight 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 21, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PDT only
8 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
- Elk’s Lodge 517 South Rock Blvd. Sparks
Spanish Springs
- Reno Sparks Indian Colony Smoke Shop- 7655 Pyramid Way, Sparks
Residents outside of Washoe County who’d like to dispose of their prescription drugs can visit www.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. This project is sponsored in part by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
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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.