Prescription drug collection on Saturday was a success

The local observances of Saturday's National Prescription Drop Off Day resulted in the collection of 738 pounds of prescription medications.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, Winneshiek County Emergency Management Services, Helping Services of Northeast Iowa and the Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force were among the groups participating in the National Prescription Drop Off Day Event.

The Drug Task Force and its 17 agencies had 20 drop off sites throughout Northeast Iowa.  The purpose of the collections is to keep medications out of the hands of people who may misuse or abuse them, especially young people. 

Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in America.  During the past 12 months, the Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force has seized over 200 dose units of illegally used prescription medications.