Free Pill Take-Back Event Set for Saturday in McDowell County

Residents with expired or unused medications will have a safe, free option for disposal this weekend as local agencies team up for a community pill take-back event.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Marion Police Department and Mission Hospital to host the event Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at entrance two at Mission Hospital, located at 430 Rankin Drive in Marion.

It's the same day as a national event. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 25. Additional sites are available on the DEA website locator map.

Officials said in a statement that the effort is aimed at reducing the risk of prescription drug misuse.

“Unused or expired medications often fall into the wrong hands. This event provides residents with a safe way to dispose of them,” said Captain Chris Taylor with McDowell County Drug Enforcement. “This service is free, and no questions will be asked about the medications turned in.”

Health and law enforcement officials stress that prescription medications should not be kept past their expiration date or shared with others, citing risks of accidental poisoning, misuse, and addiction.

"The majority of crimes committed involves drugs or originates from drugs. Chris and his group have done an outstanding job as it relates to drug enforcement in McDowell County. There’s still work to be done, and it continues to be not only a problem in McDowell County but across the state and nation," Sheriff Ricky Buchanan recently said.

According to guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, proper disposal of medications is a key step in preventing drug abuse and protecting the environment, as flushing or improper disposal can contaminate water supplies.

For those unable to attend Saturday’s event, the Sheriff’s Office offers a year-round solution. A secure medication drop box is available 24 hours a day in the lobby at 593 Spaulding Road in Marion.

Authorities encourage residents to take advantage of either option to safely dispose of medications and help keep the community safe.