Chico State is expanding its drug drop-off service for National Prescription Drug Pickup Day

CHICO, Calif. — Saturday marks National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an important initiative to promote the safe and responsible disposal of unused or expired medications. The event encourages people to return their unwanted prescription drugs to designated collection points, helping to prevent potential abuse and protect the environment.

“We want to help people if they’re trying to find treatment and stay clean, and part of that is making sure we don’t have unused or unwanted drugs going out into the public,” said Lt. Bryce Davison. for the Chico State Police Department.

The event includes a variety of substances such as pills, liquids and sharps, all of which can pose risks if not handled properly.

Chico State has actively participated by extending its shuttle service to the Butte County community. This effort not only helps keep drugs out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, but also promotes a healthier environment by preventing harmful drugs from contaminating our water supply or ending up in landfills.

“We see some members of the Chico community come to participate. I think we’re all part of the same groups in the same area and trying to accomplish the same goals of trying to keep drugs and medicine from falling into the wrong hands,” Davison said.

The Take Back initiative is designed to address the alarming increase in overdose rates across the country. In Butte County, 80 residents tragically succumbed to opioid-related deaths in 2023 alone, according to research by California Department of Public Healthemphasizing the urgent need for action to combat this public health crisis.

Chico State’s recall event is a crucial step toward combating the overdose epidemic in the Upstate.

“It’s something you have in your cabinet and forget about and again, it could fall into the wrong hands, but we don’t want kids to have access to it either. When the drug is expired, it may not be useful. It makes sense to get rid of unused and unwanted drugs to help keep the community safe,” Davison concluded.

For year-round prescription drop-off locations in Butte County, click Here.