DEA Takeback Event reduces drug abuse

If you have extra, or old, prescription medications taking up room in your cabinet, the next DEA Takeback Event is coming up on April 24, according to Nathan Grounds, Coalition Coordinator for Northeast Texas Coalition Against Substance Abuse (NETCASA).

Since 1984 NETCASA has worked to prevent youth substance abuse in Titus, Morris, Cass, and Camp Counties. The coalition is made up of concerned community members, working together to prevent youth substance abuse and addiction at its source.

In those 36 years, the coalition has worked with the DEA and local law enforcement agencies to dispose of all unused prescription drugs safely. They have installed 19 drop boxes throughout East Texas; equipped law enforcement with drug incinerators; collected and destroyed over two tons of unused prescription drugs; distributed over 6,800 disposal pouches; and handed out disposal information to over 103,000 people.

The Takeback day is a key strategic event for the coalition that utilizes partnerships with local law enforcement and the DEA to reduce prescription drug abuse. Law enforcement officers will man a drop-off station, ideally in a central easily accessible area like a grocery store parking lot, where residents can drop off their meds, no questions asked.

The Takeback event takes place every 6 months (April & October) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Watch this newspaper for updates and location information.

Benefits of proper drug disposal include: reduced access to addictive medications for accidental or intentional misuse; a decrease in water contamination due to medication being flushed down the drains; reduced illegal narcotic sales in East Texas; reduced law enforcement efforts required to respond to burglaries and thefts involving prescription drugs.

A permanent drop box is also located at the Cass County Sheriff ’s office at 604 Highway 8N in Linden. The box is accessible Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There are other ways of disposing of opioid drugs, as well. Walmart has teamed up with DisposeRx to offer free opioid disposal pouches at all pharmacy locations.

Stericycle Seal and Send Controlled Substance Return Envelopes can also be ordered free of charge at https:// cloud.safe.nsc.org/stop-everyday-killers-supplies.

According to the National Safety Council website, “These DEA-compliant 8”x12” envelopes are designed to hold up to 8 oz. of medication, of which 4 oz. may be liquid in a sealed container. Stericycle will destroy the medication using a process that is secure and safe for the environment. Envelopes are U.S. postage-paid, pre-addressed and include complete instructions.”