Drug Take-Back Day in Winneshiek County recycles over 200 pounds of presciption drugs

Boxes of prescription drugs collected in Winneshiek County Saturday

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Emergency Management and Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force joined forces Saturday for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Drop off sites were operated at Walmart, Thrifty White Pharmacy and the Calmar Police station.  209.6 pounds of unneeded prescription drugs was collected in Winneshiek County--more than one-third of the 588.9 pounds of prescription medications taken in by the entire Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force.

The purpose of this event was to keep medications out of the hands of people who might abuse them.  Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in America, especially to young people.