Ellis County ‘Take it to the Box’ this weekend

ELLIS COUNTY – Local law enforcement and IMPACT Communities, a program of Drug Prevention Resources, will host the semi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  Officers will collect unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications at the following locations:

Waxahachie – Coleman Jr. High Parking Lot (1000 N. Hwy 77) 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ennis – Ennis ISD Administration Building (303 Knox St.) 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Red Oak – Red Oak Police Department (547 N. Methodist) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Maypearl – Maypearl Police Department (104 E. Second) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Milford – Milford Police Department (107 S. Main) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Italy – Italy Police Department (161 W. Main) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ferris – Gazebo on the Town Square (100 Town Plaza) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Palmer – City Hall (113 W. Jefferson) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Prescription Drug Take Back is part of a national effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration to reduce the availability of unmonitored medications in home medicine cabinets. This April’s event marks the 17^th DEA take-back day that helps prevent prescription abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

This past October Americans turned in 914,236 lbs.  (457.12 Tons) of prescription drugs at 5,839 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,770 of its state and local law enforcement partners.   

“Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet,” says Shari Phillips, IMPACT Communities DFC Program Manager. “In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.”

Accepted medicines, in addition to unused and outdated prescriptions, are over-the-counter pills and liquid medications, as well as pet medications. Officers will not be able to accept inhalers or injection needle supplies. The service is anonymous and free of charge. No identification will be required before disposal.