FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Gary McClain

Office:  870.541.5351 / 870.329.5638

Email:  gary.mcclain@jeffcoso.org

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SHERIFF'S OFFICE DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY COLLECTION RESULTS:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - October 26, 2021 - On this past Saturday the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office along with the Tri-County Drug Task Force participated in the 22nd Arkansas 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.  The event was held at Super 1 Foods at 2800 S. Hazel in Pine Bluff.  Citizens from in and around Jefferson County turned in 400 pounds of prescription pills 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 a huge success as a result of great team work and great partnerships.  Collaboration with Super 1 Foods, the Arkansas Community Corrections, Exodus.Life, Community Empowerment Council, the Arkansas Drug Director's Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the event successful.  Our community showed that despite CoVid-19 they came out to drop off their prescription drugs because they know just how important this is for our community".

During the last National Drug Take-Back that was conducted on April 24, 2021, nationally a total of 4425 law enforcement agencies, participating at 5060 collection sites were responsible for the collection of 839,543 pounds (420 Tons) of prescription medications that were ultimately destroyed.  Since the inception of the National Drug Take-Back Initiative there have been a total of 14,524,391 pounds (7262 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 for spending their Saturday to staff this initiative.

If you missed the Drug Take-Back Day event...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).

We are also very pleased to announce that on today an additional Rx Drop Box has been placed at the Doctor's Orders Pharmacy in Star City (500 South Lincoln Ave, Star City, AR, 71667).