For Immediate Release
North Platte, NE — The Community Connections Substance Abuse Prevention System (SAPS) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 2025 Drug Take-Back events, with 338 pounds of medications safely collected and properly destroyed throughout the year. More than 200 community members participated in the monthly events, helping reduce the risk of misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental harm.
These Drug Take-Back events provide residents with a free, anonymous, and safe way to dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. By removing these medications from homes, SAPS helps prevent youth access, reduce opioid misuse, and protect pets and the environment.
“Each medication removed from a home is no longer at risk of misuse, sharing or accidental access”, said Jayna Schaaf, Community Connections Executive Director. “This effort directly supports safer homes and a healthier Lincoln County.”
In addition to medication disposal, SAPS distributed free medication lockboxes and Deterra drug deactivation pouches, giving residents tools to safely store or dispose of medications year-round.
These prevention strategies are especially important given national data showing that most misused prescription drugs are obtained from friends or family members.
The Drug Take-Back events are coordinated by Community Connections and made possible through partnerships with the North Platte Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Region II, West Central District Health Department, Great Plains Health, RSVP, and Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful. Together, these partners support a shared goal of reducing
substance misuse through prevention, education, and access to safe disposal options.
SAPS will continue to host monthly Drug Take-Back events on the third Saturday of each month from
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bomgaars in North Platte, ensuring ongoing access to safe medication
disposal for Lincoln County residents.
As SAPS looks ahead to 2026, the program remains committed to expanding prevention efforts,
increasing community awareness, and continuing to provide accessible opportunities for safe
medication disposal.
For more information about SAPS or upcoming Drug Take-Back events, please contact Community
Connections or visit www.communityconnectionslc.org.