Texarkana Drug Take-Back Day Set for Oct. 26

The recent arrest of Dr. Lonnie Parker made by the DEA will take a significant number of opioids off the street here in Texarkana. While this is most definitely a positive step in combating the opioid crisis, we want the public to be informed and prepare for the direct impact expected in the coming weeks.
Opioid addiction is a terrible affliction which affects not only the addict themselves but the families around them. When an addict is no longer able to receive their chosen drug, they will often resort to any means necessary to obtain it. We always ask that all citizens be extra cautious in keeping their necessary prescriptions locked up and monitored. With a source of opioids being taken off the street, many addicts may turn to friends and family’s medicine cabinets. Texarkana police are asking that citizens of Texarkana take extra steps to secure their prescription medications.

Opioid addiction does not discriminate. It touches every gender, race, and age equally.
On Saturday, October 26, from 10AM to 1PM the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, Miller County Sherriff Officer, Miller County Prosecutor Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with the Texarkana Emergency Center, 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 14th annual Drug Take Back Day.Bring your medications for disposal to the Texarkana Emergency Center. 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.

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
• 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
• IV bags
• Bloody or infectious waste
• Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc)