Unused medicines may be disposed of today at TASD office

Unused medications can be disposed of today at the Texarkana Arkansas School District Administration Office as part of the annual Drug Take Back Day.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Texarkana Ark., Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Officer, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Texarkana Arkansas School District, 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.

Residents can bring their medications for disposal to the TASD administration building at 3435 Jefferson Ave. in Texarkana, Arkansas. The service is free and anonymous. No questions will be 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. 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—both pose potential safety and health hazards. Items Accepted for the Program: 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 medications Pet medications