Drug take back event held on Milwaukee's west side

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is exactly one month away.

The non-profit organization Safe & Sound, along with 27th Street West Drug Free Coalition hosted a Drug Take Back Event on the west side. It was held at Cherry Court, a public housing living facility for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

Organizers said they want to target the 53208 zip code to make sure residents and others in the neighborhood are disposing of old and unused drugs properly.

"My district has a huge problem and a challenge with drugs, so the best place to provide a place to bring the drugs or fight the problem is right where it is,” said Alderman Russell Stamper.

Attorney General Josh Kaul said the opioid epidemic is the most important health crisis facing the state and he wants to see more funding to combat the problem.

"We need to make sure that those who are distributing drugs illegally whether by diverting lawful prescriptions or by selling heroin and fentanyl and meth are targeted in investigations and are prosecuted."

Wisconsin is currently involved in a multi-state lawsuit against opioid distributors.

Milwaukee has medicine drop boxes throughout the city. For more information, visit: https://city.milwaukee.gov/health/MedDisposal.htm#.XJwC6lVKg-U