Palestine PD hosting drug take back event Saturday
Apr. 26—Spring clean your medicine cabinets this week and safely dispose of medications you don't need or outdated through the Palestine Police Department's Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27.
Saturday is the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Palestine Police Department and Walmart in Palestine are partnering again for the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
According to the DEA website, the purpose of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way of disposing of prescription drugs while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
"It's a great way for people to dispose of unwanted medications and helps to keep those drugs off of our streets," said Chief Mark Harcrow.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the Palestine Police Department will have officers and members of Citizens on Patrol collecting unwanted or unneeded medications in front of Walmart, 2223 TX-256 Loop in Palestine.
The collection will include tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Inhalers, liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
The Palestine Police Department requests those bringing drugs to the take back event to make sure items are in their original containers or sealed bags.
According to the DEA, studies indicate a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.
Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way the DEA and local police departments are working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.
Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539 or by contacting the Palestine Police Office Freddie Nino at 903-731-8418.
