The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day was first hosted in 2000 by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The federal agency continued to host the event through 2004. Since that time, local law enforcement continues to partner with other organizations to host local community prescription drug “Take-Back” events.
Prescription Drug Take-Back in Eufaula
While the DEA no longer hosts drug take-back day on a national level, its “Take-Back” guidelines for FDA-listed controlled substances and their proper disposal continue to be used by local law enforcement and partner organizations in conducting local prescription drug take-backs.
Eufaula, Oklahoma recently hosted a successful prescription drug Take-Back event at 1425 Industrial Drive in Eufaula. The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department designated that location site for the responsible and safe disposal of expired, unwanted or unused medication.
Area residents took advantage of the opportunity to bring their unwanted, expired or unused prescription medications to the designated Eufaula Prescription Drug Disposal Event site between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. on Saturday, February 7th, 2015. Participating residents were able to dispose of the medications in a way that was safe for people, and for the environment.
The Eufaula Take-Back event was a community effort. The McIntosh County Sheriff Department partnered with local sponsors, including Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, the McIntosh County Coalition, and the Eufaula Pharmacy.
While this year’s take-back tally is not yet available, the 2014 Eufaula Prescription Drug Disposal Event was also highly successful, taking back 14,000 unwanted, unused or expired pills.
Event Sponsors
The Eufaula Indian Journal newspaper featured a front-page article on the Eufaula Prescription Drug Take-Back Event the week before Valentine’s Day. Founded and published in 1876, the Eufaula Indian Journal is the oldest surviving Oklahoma newspaper.
The Eufaula Take-Back event was the focus of a February 17th Substance Abuse Committee meeting hosted by Neighbors Building Neighborhoods of Muskogee. Planning for a Checotah Prescription Drug Disposal Event in the near future was also discussed.
Also partnering in the Eufaula Take-Back event was McCoCo, the McIntosh County Coalition for a Healthy Community. Established in 2001, McCoCo brings much needed resources to McIntosh County communities and its youth.
The Eufaula Pharmacy also partnered in sponsoring the Eufaula Prescription Drug Disposal Event. The hometown pharmacy is known for providing McIntosh County residents with personalized care and a broad range of services.
The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department was a key player in the hosting and success of the Eufaula Prescription Drug Disposal Event. The local Take-Back day aligned with the Sheriff Department purpose of promoting public safety, and implementing policies furthering that purpose. For the first time ever, deputies offered a mobile drug take back vehicle to gather leftover prescriptions from those unable to make it to the drop off site.
Community Participation
Perhaps the biggest factor in the success of the February 17th Take-Back event was participation by McIntosh County residents. Those individuals who brought their unused, unwanted and expired medications to the designated disposal site were ultimately the biggest contributors to a safer and healthier community for all.
In recognition of their active participation and contribution, participating residents were eligible for entry to win a locking medication-safe storage box. Medication lock boxes are identified by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as one of the effective and safe ways to store prescription drugs.
Narconon Arrowhead, located just a few miles from Eufaula, is a long-term residential drug rehabilitation and education center dedicated to saving lives from addiction, and preventing drug abuse and addiction through effective drug prevention education.
The executives and staff of Narconon Arrowhead extend their support for, and appreciation of the cohesive community effort required to make the 2015 Eufaula Prescription Drug Disposal Event a success. In doing so, staff members provided pamphlets with information on prescription drugs and the dangers of prescription drug addiction.
Narconon Arrowhead continues to make its drug prevention materials and presentation services available to McIntosh County residents in support of a healthier, happier and safer drug-free environment.
