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Brainerd Drug Take Back Day Expands to Include Free Narcan Kits
Annual event partners with local law enforcement, public health, and mental health providers to safely dispose of unused medications and combat opioid overdoses.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:48am
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Drug Take Back Day offers a vital community service to safely dispose of unused medications and access life-saving resources.Brainerd TodayCrow Wing County's annual Drug Take Back Day is returning on April 25, 2026, with expanded services including free Narcan kits, sharps and needle collection, and on-site support from Northern Pines Mental Health. The event, organized by the BLADE community coalition, has seen growing participation over the years, collecting a record 147 pounds of unused medications at the last event in 2025.
Why it matters
Nationally, studies show that 70% of prescription drug misuse starts with pills obtained from family and friends. In Crow Wing County, there were 2,232 nonfatal opioid overdoses from 2020-2024, with the county accounting for 6% of the Central region's overdoses. Removing unused medications from homes is a crucial step in preventing these tragedies.
The details
Drug Take Back Day accepts a wide variety of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications, including tablets, capsules, patches, and pet medications. The event places particular emphasis on collecting controlled substances like opioids, as medications should not be flushed or poured down drains. New this year, BLADE will offer free Narcan (naloxone) kits to the first 100 attendees, and Crow Wing Public Health and Social Services will collect sharps and needles.
- Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- At the April 2024 event, 12 pounds of medications were collected.
- By October 2024, the amount collected had grown to 53 pounds.
- At the April 2025 event, a record 147 pounds of medications were collected.
The players
BLADE (Brainerd Lakes Area Drug Education)
A community coalition dedicated to reducing substance use through prevention, education, and community action in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Brainerd Police Department
A local law enforcement agency partnering with BLADE on Drug Take Back Day.
Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department
A local law enforcement agency partnering with BLADE on Drug Take Back Day.
DEA
The Drug Enforcement Administration, partnering with BLADE on Drug Take Back Day.
Northern Pines Mental Health
A new community partner providing support and resources at the 2026 Drug Take Back Day event.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Drug Take Back Day provides a vital community service by safely disposing of unused medications and distributing life-saving Narcan kits, helping to combat the opioid crisis and protect public health in Crow Wing County.
