Residents can turn in expired, unwanted drugs for disposal
Unused drugs can be disposed of today. Residents can dispose of expired or unwanted drugs today at Texarkana Emergency Center as part of the 13th annual Drug Take Back Day.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Texarkana Ark., Police Department, Miller County Sheriff ’s Office, Miller County Prosecutor’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with Texarkana Emergency Center, will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
Anyone can bring their medications for disposal to the Texarkana Emergency Center at 4646 Cowhorn Creek Road. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, officials say.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the Unites States are alarmingly high, as are the numbers 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— both pose potential safety and health hazards.
“Currently in Texarkana we have received several reports of individuals using K2, synthetic marijuana, which is highly dangerous. One-time use can cause devastating medical issues, including death. Anyone with K2, or even suspected K2, is strongly encouraged to turn it in during this event,” said Officer Kristi Bennett, TAPD spokeswoman.
Items accepted:
■ Prescriptions
■ Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)
■ Medicated ointment, lotions or drops ■ Pills in any packaging (glass bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, etc.) ■ Over-the-counter medications
■ Pet medications
Items not accepted:
■ Blood sugar equipment ■ Sharps/needles
■ Illegal drugs & narcotics (although police will accept these items if placed in the container) ■ Thermometers
■ IV bags
■ Bloody or infectious waste ■ Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc.)