Arkansans turned over nearly 60,000 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications during Arkansas Drug Take Back Day on October 24. The statewide initiative, part of an ongoing effort to prevent drug misuse and protect public safety, brought together law enforcement agencies, local organizations, and volunteers at 426 collection sites across the state’s 75 counties.
The event, coordinated with the support of 122 law enforcement agencies, collected a total of 59,780 pounds of medication. Residents were encouraged to participate to help reduce the risks of accidental poisonings, substance misuse, and environmental contamination.
Since its inception in 2010, Arkansas Drug Take Back has removed more than 397 tons of medications from circulation, according to program officials. Kirk Lane, Director of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, and Tom Fisher, Arkansas State Drug Director, joined the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at a collection site in Little Rock to promote the initiative.
The program’s organizers emphasized the importance of routine safe medication disposal to further reduce risks to Arkansas communities. While Drug Take Back Day is held twice a year, residents can dispose of unused medications year-round. There are more than 300 permanent prescription drug drop boxes located throughout the state for this purpose.
Those interested in finding a nearby disposal site can visit ARDrugTakeBack.org or download the ReviveAR app for additional resources.