Scioto County Sheriff's Office to Host DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

NEWS RELEASE

October 21st, 2026

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announces that the Sheriff's Office will take part in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Residents can drop off unused or expired medications in front of the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, 1025 16th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions will be asked.

"Medicine cabinets across Scioto County are full of medications that are no longer needed, and every one of them is a risk," said Sheriff Thoroughman. "Take Back Day is a simple way for families to make their homes safer and keep these drugs out of the wrong hands."

Unused and expired prescription medications are a public safety concern. They can lead to accidental poisonings, overdoses, and abuse. Prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision. Many teens who misuse prescription drugs get them from family members and friends, often straight from the home medicine cabinet.

Throwing medications in the trash is not a safe fix, because they can be retrieved, abused, or illegally sold. Flushing them can contaminate local water supplies. Proper disposal protects both people and the environment.

"If you don't safely dispose of unused or expired medications, someone else may find a use for them," Sheriff Thoroughman added. "Please take a few minutes on October 24 to clean out your medicine cabinet. It could save a life." Sheriff David Thoroughman

Scioto County Sheriff’s Office

1025 16th Street

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Office 740-355-8261