The Power of Drug Disposals and Drug Take Backs in 2026

Every 6 months the Drug Enforcement Agency hosts a national drug take back, along with their local Substance Abuse Coalitions all over the nation.

This is an evidence based strategy that proves and records the effectiveness of disposing of unwanted prescription medicines. 

Way too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. This can be dangerous and often tragic.That’s why the DEA ,Rescue 180 , and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department  encourage local folks to clean out their medicine cabinets-turn in safely and anonymously. 

Rescue 180 has been hosting drug take backs for 17 years, as well as working with local city Police Departments , and the Sheriff’s Department to install permanent  drug bins in all of their  facilities. These remarkable facts are   emphasized by  Rev. Debra Shultz, a Board Certified Prevention Practitioner , Executive Director/ CEO of Rescue 180 Substance Abuse Coalition.

Shultz states that these measures are based on national epidemiologist reports.

She explained that it sounds like a waste of time to the everyday person, but those who work in this profession see how accessibility and  availability of substances can facilitate misuse that leads to the disease of addiction.

This month, Rescue 180 will hold a take back event,  Saturday October 24th , from 10 am to 2pm, at  the Justice Center during their annual fall festival.

This is National Drug Take Back Day so thousands will participate in the same type of event nationwide. 

Drug take backs have changed a little over the years, shares Shultz, going from having to have the DEA on site, pharmaceutical students to sort meds to just a ‘drop off at biannual takebacks. 

The DEA has really downsized and simplified the event to make it easier for communities to join in the war on drugs, by doing their part to drop off unused narcotic drugs and other easily abused meds at the take backs.

She says, “ By no stretch of the imagination are drug disposals or take backs null and void  in 2026.” 

Drug Take Backs are designed to change the accessibility of RX medicines that are illegally sold, or stolen. 

There is definitely a misunderstanding about who implements the take back.

Shultz says the event should be conducted under the umbrella of your local Law Enforcement , while partnering with state and federal organizations who are a part of National Drug Take Back approved  implementation plans.Using this is the work of your local Substance Abuse Coalition.

Keith Shultz, Assistant Director stated , “ In order to safeguard from silo operations that could end up mishandling the drugs, it’s better to allow your trained prevention professionals handle the event.”

Rescue 180 is a nationally recognized prevention provider for the county and has been using evidence-based strategies to partner with law enforcement to help  change the drug environment of Jefferson County for almost 2 decades.

 Shultz says the event is part of the services that the coalition is funded to provide for the county.

Everyone is encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets if unused meds.

Shultz invites folks to come out and pick up a lock box and other resources that also help in keeping our community free of unauthorized individuals having access to unused RX medications.

For more info , call us at our Crisis line 865 350 2914  and rescue180.com.