National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events have had strong success for 11 years, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department announces it will continue its participation with the program coming up on April 24.

The concept of the program is to remove a growing amount of opioids and unused medication drugs from homes where there is a risk of abuse or accidental use or poisoning by visitors or family members. Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained within the home of a friend or family member.

Overdose deaths are on the rise according to a December report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which noted a significant increase from May 2019 to May 2020 (including disturbing trends during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.) 81,230 people in the United States died of a drug overdose during this period, so if you have concern that someone you know is on that path, keep your medicines from being discovered by them.

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From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 24, a walk-up location is available at the Cedar Rapids Police station where items including prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches, and over-the-counter medications. What will not be accepted, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, will be needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids, and hydrogen peroxide.

You can dispose of these dangerous items anytime throughout the year at the police station's drop box at 505 First St. SW.

Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic:

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