341 pounds of medications properly disposed of in Medication Collection Event in Dubois County

Organizers counted 283 residents taking advantage of Saturday’s opportunity for proper disposal of medications on the warm spring day. Residents are doing a great job cleaning out those medicine cabinets. Dubois County CARES Coordinator Candy Neal says 340.8 pounds of medications were properly disposed of on Saturday. Additionally cardboard and plastic bags were recycled from the event. All participants were also offered new medication minder containers and given county sharps disposal information as needed. The medication collection day event, in association with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s national event, allows residents the opportunity to get rid of old medications in a safe manner.

We were able to bring back two county sites to the collection this spring, thanks to the Ireland and Dubois Fire Departments and the Sheriff Department.

Each properly disposed of item reduces contamination in our water system and alleviates potential for accidental overdose or ingestion of outdated or incorrect medication. It is medication kept away from kids, teenagers or those susceptible to becoming prescription medication addicts.

The organizers especially thank Dubois County Solid Waste District, Dubois County CARES, Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery and Prevention Council (ARC), Dubois County Sheriff Department, Ireland Volunteer Fire Department, Dubois Volunteer Fire Department, and the many volunteers for stepping up to help ensure the event went smoothly this spring. We also thank the State Police Post for hosting the event. At least 16 people assisted to ensure the collection day went as planned, including 7 CARES volunteers.

Residents can watch local media for information on whether a fall event will be planned in 2026 and may also use the 24/7 drop box site at the Jasper City Police Department.

Partners for the event include the Indiana State Police Post District 34, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery and Prevention Council (ARC), Dubois County CARES, Dubois County Solid Waste District, Dubois County Sheriff Department, Dubois Fire Department and Ireland Fire Department.