Northwestern Medicine to host drug take-back site in St. Charles April 24

Safely dispose of prescription drugs on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Northwestern Medicine is hosting five collection sites across the Chicago area for National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24, according to a news release.

National Prescription Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused opioids and other prescription medications, while also educating the general public about the potential for misuse of medications, the release stated.

In Kane County, Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care St. Charles, 2900 Foxfield Road, Suite 100, will be a collection site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collection will be on the east side of the parking lot by Kirk Road.

According to the release, more than 130 Americans die every day after overdosing on opioids. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high with nearly 20 million people using prescription drugs for a non-medical purpose in the last year. Non-medical users of prescription drugs often obtain their pills from family and friends, a phenomenon known as diversion. Keeping unused, excess prescription pain medications in the home leaves households vulnerable to misuse, accidents and diversion, or the non-medical use of legally prescribed medications.

Event staff will wear masks and follow physical distancing protocols, and masks must be worn in vehicles while interacting with staff.

Sharps and liquids will not be accepted, and Take Back Day is for community members, not for commercial organizations.

Several Northwestern Medicine hospitals have permanent kiosks for year-round drug disposal, including Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Emergency Department entrance, 300 Randall Road, Geneva.