McDowell medication take-back collects more than 30 pounds

Sheriff’s office, Marion police and Mission Hospital McDowell partner to help residents safely dispose of unwanted medications.

Residents turned in more than 30 pounds of unused or unwanted medications during a DEA-sponsored collection event Saturday, according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office partnered with the Marion Police Department and Mission Hospital McDowell for the pill drop, giving community members an opportunity to dispose of medications safely.

“Your participation helps prevent medication misuse and keeps our community safer!” the sheriff’s office said in its statement thanking participants.

The collection addresses a concern that extends beyond expired prescriptions: unwanted medications left at home can be accessed by someone other than the intended patient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends drug take-back programs as the preferred disposal method for most unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Residents who missed the event can ask local law enforcement or a pharmacy about disposal options. Some pharmacies offer collection boxes or mail-back programs, and the DEA maintains information on authorized collection locations.

Residents should confirm what a location accepts before bringing medications. More information is available at FDA.gov/DrugDisposal.