DeKALB – Over 130 Americans die each day from opioid overdoses. In order to be proactive towards ending the opioid crisis in the country, Northwestern Medicine and the Drug Enforcement Administration are hosting locations for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for residents to drop off unused medications on Saturday.

DeKalb residents are able to drop off unused medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital at the Medical Records Building, 2731 Sycamore Road. 

The purpose of the day is to bring forth a safe way for people to throw away unused opioids and other types of prescription medicines. The event will also be bringing awareness of the potential to misuse prescription medications to the public. 

Throwing away unused medications can lead to others retrieving them, abuse and illegal drug sales. Flushing down medications can also lead to contaminated water supply. Correctly getting rid of unused drugs is important in saving lives and keeping a sustainable environment.

Types of medications that will not be accepted are sharps and liquids. The events are targeted for community residents only and not for larger commercial organizations/groups.