KAAL

Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. In Rochester, Mayo Clinic teamed up with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to teach the public about disposing of medications. "We are not exempt from the Opioid epidemic here in Rochester. We know there are issues with opioids, that people are abusing them, selling them, diverting them," said Chair of Mayo Clinic Opioid Stewardship Program Helena Gazelka. Helena says that the problem can begin with overprescribed medications.   "Even here at Mayo Clinic, we found that a lot of overprescribing happens."

Reach: KAAL-TV is the ABC affiliate for the Rochester, MN - Mason City, IA, market. The station is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting Inc.

Additional coverage: KIMT

Context: Community members found a convenient way to dispose of prescription medications  on Saturday, Oct. 27, as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Mayo Clinic  teamed up with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, Olmsted Medical Center and Zumbro Valley Medical Society to sponsor a community drop-off location. During a similar event in April, more than 1,100 pounds of unused medication were collected.

Contact: Heather Carlson

Tags: Dr. Helen Gazelka, KAAL, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Uncategorized