Small Steps, Safer Communities: Why Drug Take Back Day Matters
Help keep kids safe by getting rid of old and unused medicine!
Did you know that old medicine in your home could be a safety risk? Many families have medicine they no longer need. It may be in a bathroom cabinet, kitchen drawer, or bedroom.
When medicine is not stored or thrown away safely, it can get into the wrong hands. This can put children, teens, and families at risk.
The good news? We can all help!
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This special day gives families a safe and easy way to get rid of medicine they no longer need.
What Is Drug Take Back Day?
Drug Take Back Day happens twice a year. It gives people a chance to drop off old, expired, or unused medicine at safe collection sites.
Many police stations and community partners help with these events.
Getting rid of unused medicine helps keep homes and communities safe. It can also help stop people from taking medicine that was not meant for them.
Why Does It Matter for Kids and Teens?
Medicine can help us feel better when we are sick. But taking the wrong medicine can be very dangerous.
Some teens may find unused medicine at home. They may think it is safe because it came from a doctor. But taking medicine that belongs to someone else can cause serious harm.
By getting rid of medicine we no longer need, we can:
Keep medicine out of the wrong hands.
Help prevent accidents and poisoning.
Lower the risk of medicine misuse.
Make our homes safer for children and teens.
Small actions can make a big difference!
How Can Youth-Serving Organizations Help?
Schools, youth clubs, sports teams, and after-school programs can play a big part in Drug Take Back Day.
Here are some easy ways to help:
1. Spread the word. Tell families about Drug Take Back Day. Share the date in emails, newsletters, and on social media.
2. Talk about medicine safety. Teach kids that medicine should only be taken as directed by a trusted adult or health care provider. Remind them never to share medicine.
3. Get youth involved. Invite teens to make posters, write messages, or help share facts about safe medicine use.
4. Help families find a drop-off site. Share the link to the official Drug Take Back Day website so families know where to go.
5. Keep the conversation going. Medicine safety matters all year, not just on one day!
Young people can be great leaders when it comes to making their communities safer.
Find Helpful Resources from Illinois Human Performance Project
The Illinois Human Performance Project (ILHPP) helps schools, families, and communities support healthy choices for young people.
ILHPP offers tools and information about safe medicine use, storage, and disposal. These resources can help youth-serving groups teach families how to keep medicine safe.
Visit the Illinois Human Performance Project Drug Take Back Day page to find helpful information and resources you can share.
You can also explore ILHPP's Prescription Playbook resources to learn more about medicine safety and preventing misuse.
Take Action on October 24!
Drug Take Back Day is a great time to help protect the young people in our lives.
Ask families to check their medicine cabinets with an adult. Look for medicine that is expired or no longer needed. Keep all medicine stored safely until an adult can take it to an approved drop-off site.
Find a collection site near you:
Visit www.DEATakeBack.com
Looking for mail-back options? https://medtakebackillinois.org/
Remember, you do not have to wait for Drug Take Back Day. Many communities have safe medicine drop-off sites open all year.
Together, we can help keep medicine safe, protect young people, and build healthier communities. One small step can make a big difference!
