The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is set for Saturday, October 28. As part of this major health and safety initiative, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition will host a take-back event at Smithville City Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 28. More than 15 tons of drugs were collected statewide on the last National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in April.
Community members are encouraged to stop by this local take-back location to drop off their unused or expired medications, especially pain relievers and other prescription drugs. Pharmacists and law enforcement officers will be on hand to accept the medications and safely dispose of them, no questions asked.
“Two-thirds of Tennesseans said the main sources of prescription pain pills for those who abuse them are family members or friends,” said Lisa Cripps, Coordinator, DeKalb Prevention Coalition. “Take-back days are a safe and easy way to get these drugs out of your home.”
“Count it! Lock it! Drop it! Is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention. The program’s focus is for all Tennesseans to count their pills, keep them locked away, and safely drop them in an official drop box to prevent others from accessing them, “said Kristina Clark, co-founder of Count It! Lock It! Drop It!”.
“With 52 percent of individuals statewide having concerns about a loved one’s becoming addicted, we want to provide more opportunities for people to safely dispose of their medications. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day occurs twice a year, so we can better prevent these addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands.”
“If you can’t make it to a take-back event, visit www.countitlockitdropit.org/drog-box-finder/ to find a drop box in your community.
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