In an effort to reduce the misuse of expired medications, Minnesotans are being asked to participate in this weekends National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Deal with it, so they don’t, that's the motto Ramsey county's "opiod prevention and unified services" wants residents to have about dropping off expired medications.
Engagement Coordinator Jonessa Wisniewski says they're looking for everything from old aspirin, pain medications, and even illicit drugs.
" We don't want barriers," Says Wisniewski, " we want you to trust law enforcement, trust the coalition, that we're all really coming together for a safer drug free community. A part of breaking down those barriers and that stigma is us not asking questions. We really do respect that and we don't ask questions."
She says A majority of people who abuse prescription pain relievers get them from friends or relatives, and that's why its so important to engage openly with the community.
" We really try to educate the community on getting rid of the medication when you no longer need it, " Says Wisniewski, " not because you don't trust your family or you don't trust the people in your home, but often times when people are going to use for the first time they catch their eye on a medication in somebody's home. Whether it's their parents, their grand parents and somewhere down the line you might misuse that medication."
The team asks that medicines come in their original container if possible, and that loose drugs comes in a clear bag ideally one-gallon or smaller.