SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. - Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook urges the public to discard unused prescription drugs this weekend at area collection sites during Drug Take-Back Day.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies across the Western District of Louisiana will give the public its 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take-Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 8.1 million pounds-more than 4,050 tons-of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.
The DEA will have collection sites across the country on Saturday, Oct. 28, for those who are interested in bringing their unused or expired prescription drugs for proper disposal. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites - liquids and needles or other sharp objects will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription drugs can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 28, at:
Shreveport
* Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Safety Town in the parking lot of Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8910 Jewella Ave.
Bossier City
* Louisiana State Police Troop G office, 5300 Industrial Drive
Monroe
* Louisiana State Police Troop F office, 1240 Highway 594
* Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, 1801 North 18th St.
* Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, 4070 Highway 165
* Super One, 2810 Louisville Ave.
Alexandria
* Louisiana State Police Troop E office, 1710 Odom St.
* Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.
Lafayette
* Louisiana State Police Troop I office, 121 E. Pont Des Mouton Road
* Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, 1825 W. Willow Street
Broussard
* Broussard Police Department at Walgreen’s parking lot, 105 St. Nazaire St.
Lake Charles
* Lake Charles Police Department at 900 Lake Short Drive (Civic Center)
* Louisiana State Police Troop D office, 805 Main St.
Morgan City
* Walgreens, 815 Brashear Ave.
* Walmart Neighborhood Market parking lot, 1002 La.-70
* Walmart Super Center, 973 Highway 90-East
The public can also find other nearby collection sites by visiting the DEA Diversion website or call 800-882-9539.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
