KTLO Features

National Take-Back Day was a Success!

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     With more than 40,000 pills and medications turned in for safe disposal, the Baxter County Sheriff's Department is calling Saturday's local collection effort held as part of National Take-Back Day a success.
     The public was encouraged to turn in unused and unwanted medications at two local collection points: at a drop-off site near Staples on Highway 62 East and at the sheriff department's permanent drop box on Eighth Street at the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division.
     Sheriff John Montgomery said that during the four hour event, officers collected 38,272 pills at the site on Highway 62. Combined with the pills dropped off at the sheriff's department drop box, the total collected was 40,772 pills. The pills and medications collected, along with packaging, weighed 258 pounds.
     The drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and a risk to children and public health and safety. The sheriff said research has shown that Arkansas has the worst teen prescription pain reliever abuse problem in the entire United States.
     Montgomery said the department appreciates the public's participation and support in assuring that the pills and medications are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
     All pills and pharmaceuticals collected Saturday from all locations across the state will be transported by the Arkansas National Guard to an incineration facility and destroyed.

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