Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 24

Here is how you can help prevent abuse or accidental use of prescribed medications, it's called Take Back Day with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department. This is your chance to safely get rid of dangerous expired or unused prescription drugs.

Saturday, October 24th, from 8AM to 12PM you can bring your medications you want to get rid of at three drop off box locations;

Bi-State Justice building (100 North State Line Avenue),
Miller County Sherriff Office (2300 East Street)
Texarkana Emergency Center (4646 Cowhorn Creek). The Bi-State Narcotics Taskforce will be at the Texarkana Emergency Center from 8 AM to 12PM for in-person drop-offs, and to answer questions from the public.

According to a press release, it is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications and over the counter drugs from the homes of our citizens. It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside. We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas. We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove

The label if you desire but it’s not necessary. We ask that you do not deposit needles or “sharps”.

Here is why it's important to get rid of these medications in your home, 42% - that is the percent of teenagers who have abused or misused a prescription drug obtained them from their parent’s medicine cabinet, and 64 percent of teenagers (age 12-17) that have abused prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives. About two-thirds of all prescription drugs (which also include stimulants such as Adderall and depressants like Ativan) illegally obtained are taken from people’s homes and not pharmacies or off the street.

Another reason to participate is that leftover medicine is toxic waste. It poses a danger to people, pets, and the environment if it’s not disposed of properly. If flushed or thrown away it can get into the waterways, affecting our drinking water. Just as we don’t put used motor oil or leftover paint thinner in the trash, we should not put toxic leftover medicines in the garbage. Unwanted medicines should be disposed of properly like other household hazardous waste.

According to Artakeback.org, Drug overdose deaths are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S., surpassing vehicle fatality accidents by nearly 18,000 deaths! With your assistance - WE are going to change this statistic!

Items Accepted for the Program;

• 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 Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)

• Pet medications

Items Not Accepted in the Program;

• Blood sugar equipment

• Sharps/needles

• Illegal drugs & narcotics (although police will accept these items if placed in the container)

• Thermometers