The DeKalb Prevention Coalition (DPC) wants to thank the community for the overwhelming response to the most recent drug take back day! On Saturday, April 30, ninety seven pounds of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs were collected during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored locally by the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.
Statistics from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show that 55% of prescription are obtained free from a friend or relative. Kristina Clark, the Executive Director of Count It! Lock It! Drop It! states “Parents, family, and 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 in the basement of the courthouse. For more information please contact Norene Puckett, DeKalb Prevention Coalition President at norene.drugcourt@gmail.com or 615-215-8690.
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