Oct. 25, WMS Medigram

A statewide summit on fighting opioid and meth abuse drew more than 500 attendees from across Wisconsin earlier this week in Milwaukee. Hosted by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and U.S. Attorneys for Wisconsin Scott Blader and Matthew Krueger, the summit coincides with Drug Take Back Day, which is this Saturday, Oct. 27.

The summit, “Making Progress through Collaborations,” brought together
local public health agencies, law enforcement, first responders, hospital personnel and other health care professionals, social services, prevention and intervention workers, victim advocates, teachers, community groups, faith-based leaders, government officials and others—all focused on fighting opioid and meth abuse.

Attendees kicked off national Drug Take Back Day by bringing unused and unwanted medications to temporary drug disposal units at the summit.

This Saturday, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 300 local law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin will participate in Drug Take Back Day. Held every October and November, this event provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal of both prescription and over-the-counter medications, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.

Since 2015, Wisconsinites have disposed of over 400,000 pounds of unused and unwanted medications, and the state has been a national leader in the DEA’s drug disposal program. To find a Drug Take Back location, click here.