Several Lincoln County drop-off locations available year-round
For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – Lincoln County will participate in Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29, allowing residents to dispose of unwanted or unused medications at several locations in the county.
“Fall is in full swing in the Northwoods,” a release from Live Well Lincoln stated. “While you’re ridding your yard of leaves and debris, you should also rid your medicine cabinet by disposing of unused or unwanted medications. Not only will you have a cleaner, safer home, but you will also have a cleaner, safer community by keeping medications out of the hands of our youth.”
Live Well Lincoln noted that, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in 2020, there were 1,227 deaths in Wisconsin related to opioids.
“Prescription pain relievers, fentanyl and heroin hurt Wisconsin residents every day,” Live Well Lincoln said. “More people die of opioid overdoses in Wisconsin each year than car crashes. Disposing of unused medications is one step in lowering these statistics.”
“Locking medications and taking advantage of safe disposal options are some of the most effective ways to prevent prescription medication abuse in our community,” said Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator for the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD).
Although Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for this weekend, there are several locations in Lincoln County where community members can dispose of unwanted medications year-round:
- Tomahawk Police Department, 219 W. Somo Ave., Tomahawk. Available 24/7 in lobby. Call 715-453-2121 to coordinate drop-off.
- Tomahawk Pharmacy, 315 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tomahawk. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 715-453-6600 for more information.
- Merrill Police Department, 1004 E. 1st St., Merrill. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 715-536-8311 for more information.
- Marshfield Clinic-Merrill, 1205 O’Day St., Merrill. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located in pharmacy. No holiday drop offs. Lincoln County residents only. Call 715-539-0101 for more information.
Learn more about Drug Take Back Day at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm.
Healthy Minds for Lincoln County is a part of Live Well Lincoln, a collaborative that strives to promote partnerships within the community to improve health through advocacy, prevention and implementation of best practices. To learn more about Healthy Minds for Lincoln County, contact Kristin Bath at 715-539-1373 or [email protected] or Debbie Moellendorf at 715-539-1077 or [email protected].