On Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m., the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), Kankakee Police Department, Bradley Police Department, Bourbonnais Police Department, Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its next opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Please bring your unwanted medications for disposal to the Northfield Square Mall at 1600 North State Route 50 in Bourbonnais, Illinois. A Drive-Thru, drop off system will be utilized in the east parking lot by the entrance near LensCrafters. If there is inclement weather, it will be held inside the mall near LensCrafters.
This service is free, anonymous, and no questions will be asked. Officers from KAMEG will be stationed to accept medications. According to KAMEG Director Clayt Wolfe, “The program is a success in our area due to continued public support. During the past two collections, officers have collected over 2,000 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs.” A drive-thru location in the east parking lot of Northfield Square Mall, by the entrance near LensCrafters will be utilized this year. Director Wolfe reminds the public that needles and syringes are NOT accepted during the event. All liquids need to be tightly sealed in their original containers.
Director Wolfe also advised that most police departments have permanent drug drop boxes. Area residents are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agencies to determine exact locations and hours of availability.
The DEA reports that the response to the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. In the previous Take-Back events nationwide, approximately 2,500 tons of drugs were collected. By participating in the program, the community helps prevent potential safety and health hazards associated with improper prescription drug disposal.
This initiative provides an opportunity for the public to safely dispose of pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications that were not previously collected or have accumulated since the last event. Also, assisting KAMEG with this program is the Pledge for Life Partnership, Kankakee County Health Department, Riverside Healthcare, State Representative Jackie Haas and State Senator Patrick Joyce.
