The RX-Dispose-All events are continuing in Decatur County, providing an opportunity for safe elimination of prescription drugs and medicines.

On Tuesday, the crews working with the Decatur County Community Action Coalition (CAC) at the Greensburg Adult Center accepted the used-up or outdated medications, kicking off the first day of the four day event. Future dates for the RX-Dispose-All include: the Westport Town Hall from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13; the New Point Community Center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18; and the St. Paul Civic Center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The RX-Dispose-All is a partnership between the CAC, whose mission is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse, addictions and other behavioral health problems among Decatur County residents, and Decatur County Solid Waste Management.

For individuals that can not make it to one of the drop off locations, a permanent drop off site is located at the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, and medications may also be dropped off during the annual Solid Waste Management Tox-Away-Day.

The preferred method of dropping off unused or outdated prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, aerosols and syringes are in their original packaging. Even pet medications and kids’ vitamins will be accepted, as well as medicines mixed together in resealable bags.

Anonymous donor drop-offs may be made by blacking out the individual’s name on the prescription’s container, leaving the name of the drug visible. Local law enforcement will be on hand for security reasons only, no one will be in trouble, and no questions will be asked.

According to a release from the CAC, many individuals do not know that prescribed medications lose their potency after just one year, and they are not safe to take if older than that. It is not safe to flush medications since the medications could end up in someone’s drinking water or in the soil. By flushing outdated medications, it is possible they may lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria and viruses.

The CAC’s goal is to get these old and expired medications off the street, protecting the environment, and our aging residents, as medication errors continue to grow. The Decatur County Sheriff’s Department has also agreed to assist home-bound seniors that are not able to make it to a drop off site. You may reach them at (812)663-8125.

Once all drugs are collected, they will be delivered to a pharmaceutical company that specializes in drug disposal, and will be incinerated.