The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the State Drug Control Office to give residents easier access to medication drop off and disposal. On Monday, Deputy Sheriff, Jesse Swensen, announced the placement of a permanent drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at 200 North 5th St. in Guthrie Center. This effort was made possible through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy in an effort to address the increasing issue of prescription drug abuse. Director of that office, Dale Woolery, says they are pleased to help with providing a secure and environmentally responsible option for the disposal of unused prescription drugs. This, he adds, will help prevent potential diversion and abuse. “Most prescription drugs that are abused come from friends or family, so cleaning out medicine cabinets can save lives,” Woolery says. Swensen agrees and says drug use can actually escalate from there. “Once addicted, some of these individuals may then eventually move to heroin to fulfill that addiction.” The box will be accessible during normal business hours. Those wishing to dispose of prescription drugs are asked to place them in a sealed, non-breakable container before dropping them into the box. No sharps (syringes or lancets) or any other item that can cause injury to those servicing the box are allowed. More information and details on how to contact the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office or the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy can be found below.
To contact Deputy Jesse Swensen with the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office:
Phone: 641-747-2214
To contact Dale Woolery with the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy:
Phone: 515-725-0310
Email: Dale.Woolery@iowa.gov
Additional information on prescription drug/opioid abuse and properly disposing of unused medication:
