Hooked on Prescription Safety

Each year, the Kalkaska National Trout Festival coincides with National Drug Enforcement Administration Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, offering a unique opportunity to blend community celebration with important health and safety initiatives. The Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition, in partnership with the Kalkaska Sheriff’s Office, kicked off this year’s efforts with a Lunch and Learn event at the Kalkaska Commission on Aging, where seniors could safely dispose of unwanted medications. Attendees learned about the importance of monitoring, securing, and properly disposing of medications through local drop-off sites or drug deactivation systems like Deterra Bags. The take-back event continued throughout the festival, with social media promotion encouraging the public to drop off medications at the Sheriff’s Office. Thanks to community participation, a total of 61 pounds of medications were safely collected, making a meaningful impact on both public health and environmental safety.