Wanda Oberlander, administrative assistant at Staples Police Department, said they receive items in their drop-off receptacle almost daily.
May 2, 2026: A successful drug take back day was held on Saturday, April 18, thanks to the partnership of Lakewood Health System and the Staples Police Department. Thirty-five pounds of unused and unwanted medications was safely collected from community members in about four hours.
The event was conducted through a collaborative effort involving Dawson Waldvogel representing the Staples Police Department, Lani Longbella Roberts, RPh, representing Longbella Drug by Lakewood, and Cheryl Tyrrell representing the Todd County Farmers Bureau. Their partnership helped ensure medications were disposed of safely while also providing education and resources to participants.
In addition to medication collection, participants received helpful tools to promote medication safety at home. Longbella Drug by Lakewood provided small pill reminder containers for attendees to take home, while the Todd County Farmers Bureau offered at-home medication destruction kits. Additional medication destruction kits remain available at Longbella Drug by Lakewood pharmacy locations.
Community members who were unable to attend the event still have safe medication disposal options available year-round through permanent drop boxes located throughout the region:
Staples Police Station
Inside front door
301 2nd Ave NE, Staples, MN
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Long Prairie Police Station (City Hall)
Inside main doors in lobby
615 Lake St S, Long Prairie, MN
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Wadena County Sheriff’s Office
Inside, down the stairs
415 Jefferson Street, Wadena, MN
Available 24/7
Cass County Courthouse
Inside the courthouse entryway (two drop boxes available)
303 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Organizers expressed appreciation for the strong community participation and are considering plans to host the drug take back event again next year, continuing efforts to reduce medication misuse and protect public safety and the environment.