For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – On April 24, the National Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) will coordinate a prescription drug take back event throughout Wisconsin.

Take back events provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescriptions drugs.

Local law enforcement, in collaboration with Healthy People Wood County AOD Prevention Partnership and Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY), are participating in events on April 24 at: Pick ‘n Save Wisconsin Rapids Location, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Piggly Wiggly, Nekoosa, 9 a.m.-noon; Pittsville Police Department, 9 a.m.-noon; Port Edwards Fire Department, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Marshfield City Hall, 207 W. Sixth Street, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Town of Rome Police Department, Adams County, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bring: Prescription medications (controlled and non-controlled), over-the-counter medications, creams, liquids, non-aerosol sprays, ointments, inhalers, patches, pet medications, and vials.

Needles/sharps will be accepted at the Marshfield location only. Creams, non-aerosol sprays, and liquids must be in their original packaging.

Do not bring: Aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing bodily fluids or blood), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), illegal drugs, mercury thermometers, oxygen tanks/nebulizers, personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), or radioactive cancer medications.

Those who cannot attend a take back event can drop off unwanted medications at a Wood County law enforcement agency or at pharmacies with a disposal kiosk: CVS in Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield Clinic Pharmacy- main clinic and Central Avenue, and Walgreens in Wisconsin Rapids.

If you are homebound or know of someone who needs safe at-home disposal options, or to request a lock box/drawer safe for securing medications, contact Ashley with Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8923.

Remember to never flush or drain unused/expired prescription medications.  These substances can contaminate our water supply if not disposed of properly.

Those who participate at certain Wood County events may receive a coupon for free ice cream or day pass to the Wisconsin Rapids Aquatic Park. Parents/guardians, grandparents, and other adults who spend time with youth are especially encouraged to participate in an effort to prevent prescriptions drugs from being taken and misused.

For more information and a listing of additional take back sites throughout Wisconsin, visit http://doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback/find-a-take-back-location.