Prescription Drug Take Back event held near 14th and North

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A prescription Drug Take Back event is being held Friday, September 11 in Milwaukee.

The event is taking place from noon-3 p.m. near 14th and North Ave.

The goal is to give people a safe and responsible way to get rid of prescription medications. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, drug overdose deaths in general have increased in the county by 41 percent since last year.

The office said at the current rate, it is on pace for 573 overdose deaths this year. Last year there were 418, which was a record.

“We have set up the Drug Take Back initiative with the police department and basically any prescription drug, any old needles, any current needles or needles that you need to get rid of,” Kevin Brown with WestCare Wisconsin Inc. said. “We’re going to take back those things you guys don’t want to have in the community anymore.”

The initiative was put on by Safe & Sound, WestCare Wisconsin Inc. and the Milwaukee Police Department. Another event will be held on September 19.