The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Tri-County Drug Task Force, Pine Bluff Police Department, and White Hall Police Department, participated in the 29th National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, joining a nationwide effort to combat prescription drug abuse and misuse.
The event, part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) national initiative, provided a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medications.
Citizens in Pine Bluff, White Hall, and surrounding areas turned in a combined 680 pounds of prescription pills at three collection sites:
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Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: 520 pounds
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White Hall Police Department: 157 pounds
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Pine Bluff Police Department: 3 pounds
The goal of the initiative is to reduce the potential for drug misuse, addiction, theft, or overdose by safely removing unused medications from homes.
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. emphasized the importance of the program, calling it a crucial step in addressing the nation’s ongoing drug crisis.
“The drug overdose epidemic is a clear and present public health and safety issue,” Woods said. “Our partnership with the DEA reflects our commitment to protecting our citizens by encouraging the removal of unneeded and expired prescription medications from homes to prevent misuse.”
Since its inception in 2010, the National Drug Take-Back Initiative has collected and destroyed more than 19.8 million pounds — nearly 9,910 tons — of prescription drugs nationwide. During the previous Take-Back event in April, more than 620,000 pounds were collected across the U.S.
Woods noted that commonly abused medications such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), and fentanyl (Duragesic) remain major concerns.
“These drugs are among the most susceptible to diversion and misuse,” he said. “Events like this allow our community to be part of the solution by disposing of them safely.”
For residents who missed Saturday’s event, secure daily collection bins remain available year-round at the following Jefferson County locations:
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Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: 410 East 2nd Avenue, Pine Bluff
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Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy: 2302 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff
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Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy: 7240 Sheridan Road, White Hall
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Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy: 500 South Lincoln Avenue, Star City
Tri-County Drug Task Force Commander Captain Yohance Brunson praised the collaborative effort behind the event.
“The event was a huge success thanks to strong teamwork and partnerships,” Brunson said. “Collaboration with local agencies and statewide organizations made it possible.”
For a full list of collection sites across Arkansas, visit ardrugtakeback.org/take-back/collection-sites/.
