The latest Arkansas Drug Take Back Day saw the safe disposal of more than 50,000 pounds of expired and unused medication.<\/p>\n
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), the organization that oversees Drug Take Back Day, said community partners and volunteers teamed up with 110 law enforcement agencies across the state to make it all possible. The event took place on Saturday, April 25.<\/p>\n
\u201cArkansas Drug Take Back Day plays a significant role in reducing the potential for drug misuse in Arkansas and protecting our communities from unwanted effects,\u201d said Kirk Lane, director of ARORP. \u201cPrevention requires support from everyone, and it\u2019s events like this that show just how many people we have united in this important fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event, which aims to reduce prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm, was first launched in 2010, gives Arkansans an anonymous and secure way to get rid of unwanted medication. <\/p>\n
In total, 50,240 pounds were destroyed in last week’s event. This contributes to a grand total of 367 tons destroyed across the event’s history.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvents like Arkansas Drug Take Back Day are critical to preventing prescription drug misuse before it starts,\u201d said Tom Fisher, Arkansas State Drug Director. \u201cBy safely removing unused and expired medications from our homes, we reduce the risk of misuse, accidental poisonings and environmental harm. This level of statewide participation shows Arkansas\u2019 commitment to protecting families and strengthening community health. We are especially grateful for our strong partnerships with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Program, the Arkansas Sheriffs\u2019 Association and Clean Harbors Environmental, whose collaboration helps ensure the safe collection and destruction of these medications statewide.\u201d<\/p>\n