Arkansas side sets Oct. 28 as Drug Take Back Day

Texarkana, Ark., law enforcement agencies will be participating in the 14th annual Drug Take Back Day on Oct.28.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department, Miller County Sherriff Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Texarkana Ark., School District, will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Residents can bring old or unwanted medicines to the TASD Administration Office at 3435 Jefferson Ave., and the drugs will be disposed of. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash— pose potential safety and health hazards.

Items accepted for the program include: Prescriptions Liquid medications (in leakproof containers)

Medicated ointment, lotions, or drops

Pills in any packaging (glass bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, etc.)

Over-the-counter liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)

Pet medications Items not accepted in the program; Blood sugar equipment Thermometers IV bags Bloody or infectious waste

Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc)