The Poplar Bluff Police Department will participate in this year’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The day, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, is for people to safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
According to Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, local law enforcement agencies collected 1,348 pounds of medication during past take back day events.
The Poplar Bluff Police Department, located at 1111 Poplar St., is the only Butler County agency named on the list of locations.
“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,” Detective Daniel Mustain said in an email. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.”
Mustain said the event at PBPD will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. Sites cannot accept liquid medication or needles/sharps, he added.
“The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked,” he said. “To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.”
Other participating agencies by county:
Carter County
• Carter County Sheriff’s Department
1977 Cabin Drive, Van Buren; and
• Ellsinore Police Department
11 W. Cleveland Ave., Ellsinore.
Reynolds County
• Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department
2319 Green St., Centerville.
Ripley County
• Doniphan Police Department
108 N. Grand Ave., Doniphan,
Stoddard County
• Bernie Police Department
206 W. Crumb Ave., Bernie;
• Dexter Police Department
305 Cooper St., Dexter; and
• Puxico Police Department
141 N. Hickman St., Puxico.
Wayne County
• Piedmont Police Department
116 W Green St., Piedmont.
If Butler County residents need more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact Mustain at dmustain@pbpolice.org or 573-686-8632.