State Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is encouraging residents in Dodge and Olmsted Counties to participate in this year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2024.  

Prescription drug misuse is a growing public safety concern. Unused medications that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed often become a gateway to addiction. In fact, a majority of opioid addictions start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home! National Prescription Drug Take Back Day helps prevent these medications from falling into the wrong hands and contributing to addiction. 

This nationwide event provides a simple and safe way for individuals to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, helping to prevent misuse and protect the community. 

“Taking part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an easy way for all of us to make our homes and communities safer,” Sen. Nelson said. “Disposing of prescription drugs properly not only helps prevent drug abuse, but it also protects our children, pets, and the environment. This is a small but important action we can all take to keep our communities safe.”

Residents can bring their unused or unwanted prescriptions to Mayo Family Clinic Northeast in Rochester (3041 Stonehedge Dr. NE) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 26. Accepted items include capsules, creams, ointments, patches, pills, vials, and even pet medications. Liquids must be in their original containers, and vape pens or e-cigarettes are accepted with batteries removed. Collection is free and anonymous. 

For a full list of drop-off sites, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday. 

In addition to the National Prescription Drug Take Back event, several permanent prescription drug drop-off boxes are available year-round across Dodge and Olmsted Counties, including the following locations: 

• Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, 22 E. 6th St, Mantorville 

• Kasson Police Dept, 19 E. Main St, Kasson 

• Kasson: Hy-Vee, 19 2nd Avenue Nw 

• Rochester: Hy-Vee, 4221 W Circle Dr Nw 

• Rochester: Hy-Vee, 1315 6th St Nw 

• Rochester: Mayo Clinic Pharmacy – Mary Brigh Building,1216 Second Street Sw Suite M600b 

• Rochester: Hunt Silver Lake Drug, 1510 Broadway Ave N  

• Rochester:  Hy-Vee, 500 37th St. N.W.  

• Rochester: Mayo Clinic Pharmacy Subway, 200 First Street Sw, Suite Sl14 

• Rochester:  Hy-Vee Pharmacy, 500 Crossroads Drive S.W.  

• Rochester: Walgreens, 80 14th Street Sw 

• Rochester: Wal-Mart Pharmacy, 25 25th Street S.E. 

• Stewartville: Hy-Vee, 220 Center Town Plz N 

To locate the closest permanent drop off site, residents can search the DEA’s drop off location database. 

For more information on the dangers of prescription drug misuse, visit www.DEA.gov, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, or www.JustThinkTwice.com.