Arkansans dispose of 25,405 pounds of medication on Drug Take Back Day
On Saturday, April 27, Arkansans came out in droves to participate in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, bringing 25,405 pounds (12.7 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs to more than 275 take back boxes located around the state.
On Saturday, April 27, Arkansans came out in droves to participate in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, bringing 25,405 pounds (12.7 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs to more than 275 take back boxes located around the state.
“I’m proud to announce that Arkansas Take Back has officially collected more than 300 tons of medications to date,” said Kirk Lane, director for the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership. “By educating Arkansans on the importance of monitoring, securing and disposing of their unused prescriptions, Arkansas Take Back is saving lives.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Arkansas National Guard worked together to ensure these medications were safely destroyed, keeping Arkansas’ water supply free of harmful medications.
“Thanks to Arkansans and DEA partners, a collective effort removed over 12 tons of unused or expired medications from homes across the state,” said Jarad Harper, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration. “Everyone has a responsibility to help protect their communities, and this is one of the easiest and most proactive ways to do so.”
Arkansas Take Back was launched in 2010 to help Arkansas families secure, monitor and dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications. To date, Arkansas has safely destroyed 606,155 pounds of these medications.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in National Drug Take Back Day,” said Tom Fisher, Arkansas State Drug Director. “The support we’ve witnessed is a testament to the lengths our communities will go to combat the opioid crisis and promote public health and safety.”
Arkansans can locate one of the more than 275 collection sites across the state through the ReviveAR app, which is available for download on Apple and Google Play stores. The next National Take Back Day will be held in fall 2024. Visit ARTakeBack.org or download ReviveAR for more information.
