National Prescription Drug Take Back Day And Red Ribbon Run Are Saturday

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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Several locations in Polk County will collect unwanted, unneeded or expired medication to prevent abuse and potential safety hazards from improper disposal.

In Lakeland, there will be a drive-through drop-off in the parking lot of the Lakeland Police Department at 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.

Accepted items:

Human and pet prescriptions in liquid and solid form
Over-the-counter medicines
Vitamins
Vaping pens, like JUULs, and e-cigarette devices with batteries removed

Items should be placed in a clear, sealed plastic bag.

Red Ribbon Fun Run

This year, National Prescription Take Back Day falls on the same day as InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run. The event aims to prevent youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

The run will be at Lake Mirror with check-in from 6:30 to 8 a.m. in the Lake Mirror Auditorium. Races for kindergarten through eighth grade begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by a family race at 10:45 am.

Registration for children is free before Oct. 25 and $5 on race day. Adults pay $5.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day is sponsored locally by StandUP Polk, InnerAct Alliance, local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.