FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Gary McClain

Office:  870-541-5351

Email:  gary.mcclain@jeffcoso.org

SHERIFF'S OFFICE DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY COLLECTION RESULTS:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - April 29, 2021 - On this past Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office along with the Tri-County Drug Task Force participated 20th National Drug Take-Back Day.  The event was part of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Take-Back Initiative that is a national effort to safely collect and dispose of unwanted, unused, and/or expired prescription drugs.  Citizens in Jefferson County turned in 180 pounds of prescription pills on Saturday hopefully eliminating the potential of drug abuse, misuse, addiction, theft, or overdose within their homes.

Tri-County Drug Task Force Commander - Captain Yohance Brunson remarked on the event by saying, "The event was great a success.  Despite CoVid-19 people came out to drop off their drugs because they know just how important this is for our community".

During last year's 19th DEA National Drug Take-Back that was conducted on October 24, 2020 a total of 4153 law enforcement agencies, participating at 4587 collection sites were responsible for the collection of 985,392 pounds (492.7 Tons) of prescription medications that were ultimately destroyed.  Since the inception of the National Drug Take-Back Initiative there has been a total of 13,684,848 pounds (6842.4 Tons) of drugs collected and destroyed.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. expressed his gratitude to those who brought their medicines out for collection as well as to the deputies and volunteers who staffed the Take-Back Day event.  "Partnerships that have a heart for the safety and success of Jefferson County are what makes programs like this work.  I'd like to extend a hearty 'Thank You' to every citizen who saw the importance and value to gathering up and getting rid of the medicines that have the potential to lead overdose or abuse.  I'd also like to express my appreciation to the deputies and volunteers, like Exodus Life, Empowerment Council, Inc., and the Arkansas Community Corrections for spending their Saturday to staff this initiative.

If you missed the 20th National Drug Take-Back Day...no worries!  We have secure daily collection bins available at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (410 East 2nd Ave, Pine Bluff, AR) as well as at Doctor's Orders Pharmacies (2302 West 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR and 7240 Sheridan Road, White Hall, AR).