Winona, Minn. – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC), in partnership with the Winona Police Department, will host a local collection site for the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will be held at the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Winona location at 420 East Sarnia St. in Winona. Community members can conveniently drive up and drop off their unwanted medications.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a twice-yearly national effort led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for people to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Proper disposal helps keep medications out of the wrong hands and reduces the potential for medication misuse, accidental poisoning and other risks associated with unused medications in the home.

The Winona Police Department will oversee the collection and safe disposal of medications collected during the event.

“Unused medications can remain in our homes long after they are needed, creating an opportunity for accidental or intentional misuse,” said Jen Dieck, Director of Crisis Response and Substance Use Disorder Services at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. “Take Back Day gives our community a simple and convenient way to safely dispose of medications they no longer need. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to check their medicine cabinets and bring anything eligible to our collection site.”

What Can Be Dropped Off?

Community members may bring expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications, including:

  • Prescription medications in tablet, capsule or patch form
  • Liquid medications, such as cough syrup, when securely sealed in their original container

What Will NOT Be Accepted?

For safety and regulatory reasons, the collection site cannot accept:

  • Syringes, needles or other sharps
  • Illicit or illegal drugs
  • Other medical waste or hazardous materials

The service is free and anonymous, and no appointment is necessary.

Residents who are unable to participate on October 24 can also find DEA-authorized locations that provide medication disposal throughout the year.

WHAT: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center – Winona
ADDRESS: 420 East Sarnia St., Winona, MN
COST: Free
FORMAT: Drive-up/drop-off