Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Andy Skoogman, 612-919-5918
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Hosting National Drug Take Back Day Events on Saturday, October 23
October 18, 2021 (Minneapolis) - Saturday, October 23 is National Drug Take Back Day, a national event dedicated to drug abuse prevention. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office has partnered with Hy-Vee to provide three convenient outdoor sites where people can drop off unwanted and unused medications for free. The sites will be in the parking lots of Hy-Vee grocery stores in Maple Grove, New Hope, and Plymouth.
All sites will be staffed by sheriff's deputies who will collect unwanted medications. Deputies will also hand out free Deterra medication disposal pouches for residents who may have additional medications at home that they wish to dispose of properly. Deterra bags have been made available via partnerships with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Foundation and the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Minnesota.
 “The opioid addiction crisis remains a critical area of focus for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff David P. Hutchinson. “Unfortunately, it has been another deadly year as far as opioid overdoses are concerned. We are pleased to offer a safe way for people to dispose of unwanted opioids or any other medications they may no longer need. Prescription painkillers remain one of the main gateways into opioid abuse.”
When: Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Drop-off locations will be located at:
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Maple Grove Hy-Vee– 18755 70th Way N., Maple Grove, MN 55311
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New Hope Hy-Vee – 8200 42nd Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55427
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Plymouth Hy-Vee – 16705 County Rd 24, Plymouth, MN 55447
Most prescription drug abusers say that they obtained their supply of prescription medications from friends and family. Properly disposing of prescription medication, such as opioids, can significantly decrease the likelihood of individuals having access to these highly addictive drugs.
Each year, about 2 million Americans misuse prescription pain relievers for the first time. Flushing medication or throwing it in the trash is bad for our natural environment. Proper storage and disposal of medication is a critical part of addressing the opioid epidemic. For more information about the opioid addiction crisis and how the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is working to fight it, visit hennepinsheriff.org/stop.
There are over 30 year-round medicine drop boxes located throughout Hennepin County. For a full listing, including a map of locations, visit hennepin.us/medicine.
Media is welcome to film at any of the outdoor drop-off sites. However, media will not be permitted to film inside store locations unless otherwise approved by Hy-Vee’s corporate communications department.
- HCSO -
Look for more news on
the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at http://www.hennepinsheriff.org.
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