Guthrie County and surrounding residents are encouraged to check their medicine cabinet for any unused or expired medication, and dispose of them during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This event is held twice each year by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Guthrie County Hospital Pharmacy in Guthrie Center will be taking part from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday. They will accept prescription and over-the-counter medications; medicated creams, ointments, and lotions; liquid, and pet medications.

Pharmacy Director DeeAnn Wedemeyer Oleson explains one of the reasons this event is held, “First and foremost, we want people to get unneeded medications out of their homes for safety reasons. Medications that are expired or otherwise no longer being used should be disposed of in a way that reduces the risk of accidental ingestion and poisoning by children, anyone living in the home who may have problems with confusion, and even our pets.”

Oleson adds, another aspect is curbing the illegal use of prescription drugs, citing the rise of opioid use and deaths in the state. She also mentions that their medication disposal receptacle is accessible year-round for people to get rid of unwanted medication.