Three barrels of medications collected
A total of 109 pounds of expired and unused prescription medications were collected in Bradley County on Saturday.
The event was co-hosted by the G.R.A.A.B. Coalition (Going Respectfully Against Addictive Behaviors) and Walgreen’s in order to participate in the D.E.A.’s (Drug Enforcement Agency’s) “National Drug Take Back Day”.
Two locations were made available to the community from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (Criminal Investigations Division’s Lobby) 2290 Blythe Ave., and Walgreen’s at 35 25th Street.
The nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Sheriff Eric Watson said, “The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the public for their participation in continuing to keep our community safe and healthy. By turning in these unwanted prescription drugs - rather than throwing them away or flushing them down a sink or toilet - they are kept our of the landfill and water supply. The impact of today’s event will never be known, but many lives were saved by removing these medications from residents’ homes.”
For those who missed Saturday’s event, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office offers a continuous program where residents can drop off unwanted prescription drugs at their administrative offices, inside the Criminal Investigation Division’s lobby. Anyone needing further information about the program should call 423 728-7336.
Medications inside barrel