News and Articles

09/25/2015

Prescription Drug Take Back Event in Santa Fe County on Saturday, April 26

Safely dispose of unwanted, expired and unused medication on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at various locations around the County (see four locations below). Clean out the clutter of pills, tablets and capsules filling your medicine cabinet.

This service is free, anonymous and no questions asked.

 

Drug Take Back Drop Off Locations

·         Santa Fe Police Department, 2515 Camino Entrada (permanent drop box location)

·         Rancho Viejo Village Market, 55 Canada del Rancho

·         State Police, 4491 Cerrillos Road

·         Santa Fe Fire Department, 200 Murales Road (permanent drop box location)


“Prescription medication abuse is a problem in Santa Fe County. Unused prescriptions are the easiest to get drugs to use for purposes other than healing. The Take Back Events continue to be a great opportunity to safely remove medications from the reach of potential abusers,” said Rachel O’Connor, Santa Fe Community Services Department Director.

Over the last 2 years more than 2000 pounds of discarded medication has been collected during these twice a year events. This collection operation is a joint effort of the Santa Fe County Community Services Department, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Fe Police Department, Santa Fe Fire Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Santa Fe Prevention Alliance.

The prescription drug overdose death rate in New Mexico is one of the highest in the United States and Santa Fe County is one of the highest in New Mexico. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often right out of the home medicine cabinet. To prevent pill abuse, lock up prescription medication, especially opioid painkillers.

 

For more information, contact:
Peter Olson, Santa Fe County DWI Program
(505) 992-9844 or polson@santafecountynm.gov