Fifty Pounds of Unused Drugs Collected during Prescription Take Back Day

Approximately fifty pounds of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs were collected on Saturday, April 22 during the Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored locally by the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition (DPC) wants to thank the community for coming out in the rain and helping to make DeKalb County safer for its citizens. The day was also to raise awareness for child abuse and prevention. A child abuse awareness walk was held at 10:30am led by Bee Tubbs. Other agencies participating in the day were the DeKalb County Health Department, Board of Education-Coordinated School Health, Haven of Hope, St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital, Therapeutic Intervention Inc., Dept. of Children Services, Stonecom Radio, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and Camelot. “Pinwheels for Prevention” were placed at Smithville City Hall with the message, “Every child deserves a chance.”
Statistics from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show that 55% of prescriptions are obtained free from a friend or relative. Kristina Clark, the Executive Director of Count It! Lock It! Drop It! states “Parents and family friends become accidental drug dealers by leaving medications out on counters, unlocked and/or unmonitored. Three simple steps can make a big difference in prescription drug abuse.” The DPC’s comprehensive community plan for prescription drug abuse prevention, “Count It! Lock It! Drop It!” encourages residents to frequently count their pills, properly lock them, and drop any unused, expired or unwanted pills in the drop box. The drop box is located in Smithville’s City Hall which is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm.
The Mission of DPC is to unite community leaders and citizens of DeKalb County forming strong partnerships across major community sectors with the goal of reducing substance abuse. The DPC would like to extend an invitation to all residents to become a part of the coalition. The meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month at 12:00pm. For more information about DPC or child abuse awareness, please contact Community Outreach Liaison Norene Puckett at (615) 215-8690 or the facebook page at facebook.com/DeKalbPreventionCoalition.