Winona, Minn. – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at HVMHC's Winona clinic, located at 420 East Sarnia Street, in partnership with the Winona Police Department. 

HVMHC staff and Winona law enforcement will be on hand to safely collect old, expired, or unneeded prescription medications. Collected medications will be transferred to the Winona Police Department for proper disposal. This initiative provides a safe and environmentally responsible way to remove unused medications from homes while helping prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, and potential overdose. 

"We are proud to partner with the Winona Police Department to host a Drug Take Back Day at our Winona HVMHC clinic," said Jen Dieck, MS, LPCC, LADC, Director of Crisis Response Services and Director of Substance Use Disorder Services at HVMHC. "This collaboration highlights the importance of community engagement in preventing drug misuse and environmental contamination, while promoting public health and safety." 

Since its inception, the DEA's Take Back Day has removed millions of pounds of medications nationwide, offering communities a free and anonymous way to safely dispose of unused prescriptions. Events like this play a critical role in reducing access to potentially harmful medications and raising awareness about safe medication practices. 

What to Know Before You Go: 

  • Collection sites cannot accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs.  
  • Liquid medications (such as cough syrup) should remain sealed in their original containers with caps tightly closed.  
  • The service is free and anonymous—no questions asked.  
  • Community members are encouraged to bring tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription medications.  

HVMHC is committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves by providing accessible, high-quality mental health and substance use disorder services. Events like Drug Take Back Day reflect the organization's ongoing efforts to promote prevention, safety, and community collaboration. 

For more information about the Winona event, contact Jen Dieck at jend@hvmhc.org. To find additional collection sites nationwide, visit www.DEATakeBack.com 

About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Founded in 1965, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) provides comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families across Southeastern Minnesota. The organization is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and fostering wellness in every community it serves. 

For more information about HVMHC's services, visit www.hvmhc.org. To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. 

 

HVMHC also oversees the Mobile Crisis Unit, available 24 hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. Assistance can be reached by calling 1-844-CRISIS2 (1-844-274-7472). Calls to the Crisis Response line are always no cost to the caller.