HOW TO PROPERLY STORE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Seventy percent of prescription drug abusers over the age of 12 report that they are able to get prescription drugs from family and friends. Safe and secure storage is important in helping to prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion.

It is important to organize and keep track of their medications:
• Where do you keep yours?
• Are they in a secure place?
• Are they easily accessible to a teen or someone who might abuse them?

In addition, be sure to:
• Check the expiration dates and be aware of the quantities.
• Safely discard expired medications, and secure the rest.

The National Council on Patient Information and Education has information on properly storing your medications.

Hospital Pharmacy Drug Take-Back Locations:
• Rapid City – Ellsworth Air Force Base 
• Sisseton – Coteau des Prairies Health Care

Retail Pharmacy Drug Take-Back Locations:
• Chamberlain – Lewis Family Drug
• Milbank – Lewis Family Drug
• Rapid City – Walgreens

Law Enforcement Drug Take-Back Locations:
• Aberdeen Policy Department
• Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
• Brandon Police Department
• Brookings Police Department 
• Canton Police Department 
• Custer Sheriff’s Office
• Elk Point Sheriff’s Office
• Flandreau Police Department
• Huron Police Department
• Mitchell Police Department
• Mitchell Sheriff’s Office
• Mobridge Police Department
• Plankinton Sheriff’s Office
• Rapid City Police Department
• Sioux Falls Police Department
• Summerset Police Department
• Vermillion Police Department
• Watertown Sheriff’s Office
• Wessington Springs Sheriff’s Office
• Winner Police Department
• Woonsocket Sheriff’s Office
• Yankton Police Department

For more information about organizing a take-back event in your community, contact your local law enforcement agency.