Drug Take Back Day Set for Oct. 22, 2016
On Saturday, October 22, from 10AM until 1PM the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, comprised of the Texarkana Ark. Police Department and the Miller County Sheriff's Office, 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 potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for the 10th annual Drug Take Back Day.
Bring your medications for disposal to the Texarkana Ark. School District Administration Office located at 3435 Jefferson Ave. 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. 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.
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.
For more information contact Public Information Officer Kristi Bennett at 903-798-3187.