Pictured: HVMHC Employees Jen Dieck and Tim Hunter alongside Winona Police Officer Derek Lanning at the October 25 Prescription Take Back Day held at the Winona HVMHC clinic.
Winona, Minn – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) partnered with the Winona Police Department to host a successful Drug Take Back Day at HVMHC’s Winona clinic on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event was part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day initiative, which promotes safe disposal of unneeded or expired medications.
HVMHC staff members Jen Dieck, Tim Hunter, Sally Blume, and Ryan Buhler joined forces with Winona Police Officer Derek Lanning and volunteer Connor Poepping to assist community members in safely disposing of their medications. Together, the team collected 43 pounds of medications from 21 different drop-offs.
All collected medications were returned to the Winona Police Department for proper disposal, helping to prevent misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental contamination.
HVMHC is now hosting Drug Take Back events twice a year, so community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for spring and fall events. You can follow along with the latest news and updates at HVMHC by visiting www.HVMHC.org.
HVMHC and the Winona Police Department thank all community members who participated and continue to encourage safe medication practices.
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).