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JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SET TO PARTICIPATE IN ARKANSAS DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

10/16/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Alicia Dorn

Communications Director/Public Information Officer

OFFICE: 870-541-5351/CELL: 870-329-5638

Email: alicia.dorn@jeffcoso.org

JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SET TO PARTICIPATE IN ARKANSAS DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: Jefferson County, Arkansas - October 16, 2020-The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Tri-County Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, three agencies dedicated to fighting the abuse and misuse of prescription medication, invite area residents to safely dispose of unwanted and expired medicines. Also partnering with JCSO and TCDTF is the Community Empowerment Council, Inc., a registered substance abuse prevention provider in the State of Arkansas for Region 12. Region 12 includes Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Lincoln, and Jefferson Counties.

On Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. as part of Arkansas' Drug Takeback Day, we are giving the public yet another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. "It is better and safer to bring the prescription drugs to us. Do not flush prescription drugs," said Captain Yohance Brunson. 

We ask that you bring your medications for disposal to the following collection site: 

  • Super 1 Foods located at 2800 S. Hazel Street in Pine Bluff, AR.

We cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Due to COVID-19, we are taking safety precautions. Please wear a mask. Also, stay in your vehicle and a deputy or volunteer will retrieve the medications from you.

"The Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative addresses an on-going public safety and public health issue," said Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr.  "Prescription drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone (OxyCotin), and Fentanyl (Duragesic) just to name a few are among the most commonly found in home medicine cabinets. These drugs are also among the highest that are susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. A great number of people in our community have been directed or indirectly affected by prescription drug abuse and misuse, and this event allows local residents to be part of the solution. Disposing of unused or unwanted medications in a safe and secure environment is a critical step in fighting this devastating public safety health problem."

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. This site will be continuously updated with new take-back locations.