A Safer Community Starts At the Medicine Cabinet: Prescription Take Back Day Returns

On Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Galion residents will have the chance to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription pills during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The Galion Police Department will host the local drop-off at 301 Harding Way East, in collaboration with the METRICH Enforcement Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The event provides a critical opportunity to prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisoning—issues that often begin in the home. Only household pills will be accepted, and participants are asked to place medications in a clear plastic or Ziplock bag to help speed up the process. No sharps, plastics, or liquids will be accepted, and pharmacies or businesses may not participate.

Behind the Effort: Local and Federal Forces Team Up

The Take Back Day is powered by a coalition of law enforcement and community health leaders. Locally, the METRICH Enforcement Unit—a ten-county task force combating illegal drug and weapon activity—works hand-in-hand with federal partners and local law enforcement to make streets safer. These partnerships not only remove potentially dangerous drugs from homes but also help raise awareness about opioid misuse and safe disposal practices.

Why This Matters to Galion—and Beyond

Each year, thousands of Americans misuse prescription medications that were not prescribed to them. Here’s why events like this one are so important:

Prevent Drug Misuse: The majority of people who misuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family, often straight from the medicine cabinet.
Reduce Overdose Risks: Safely disposing of meds helps prevent tragic accidents involving children or pets.
Protect the Environment: Medications flushed or tossed in the trash can end up contaminating water supplies and ecosystems.
Educate and Empower: By participating, residents become part of the solution—learning how to keep their homes and community safer.

A Simple Act That Makes a Big Difference

Disposing of medications may seem like a small task, but it’s one with far-reaching impact. Whether you’re cleaning out a loved one’s medicine cabinet or simply getting rid of old prescriptions, this is your opportunity to make Galion safer and healthier—one bag at a time.