ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to provide useful services to the community while also protecting public health, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is partnering with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Avon Township to host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Avon Township Center, located at 433 E. Washington St. in Round Lake Park. The event is an opportunity for all residents to safely get rid of unneeded and expired medications.

“Not only does the Drug Take Back Day help provide residents an opportunity to declutter their home of their unused, expired or unwanted medications, but it also helps prevent potential opioid addiction,” said Yingling. “One of the most common ways for people to become addicted to opioids is by using others’ unused prescriptions that are sitting around, so I highly encourage everyone to come and safely dispose of your medication.”

Both in his district and Springfield, Yingling has worked to combat the opioid crisis. Yingling was a chief co-sponsor of the Heroin Crisis Act, bipartisan legislation that, among many other provisions, increases access to naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdoses. In addition, Yingling supported House Bill 163 this year, which would increase oversight of prescription medication and help track the flow of controlled substances like opioids.

Outside of legislation, Yingling has hosted an Opioid Town Hall with Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim to get feedback from the community on the opioid crisis in addition to hosting a previous Drug Take Back event in April, which collected more than 150 pounds of medication

“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of the members of our community,” said Yingling. “I am committed to continuing my efforts to fight against this terrible crisis.”

For more information on this event, please call Yingling’s district office at 847-231-6262 or email repsamyingling@gmail.com.