Longview Holds National Drug Take-Back Day Activity

LONGVIEW — On September 29, from 10:00 to 2:00pm, several agencies will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft. Residents will a chance to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The Longview Police Department, East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are collaborating in the effort. You can bring your medications for disposal to Louis Morgan Drug at 110 Johnston Street. This service is free and anonymous. Residents who turn in medications will not be asked any questions.

Authorities say this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. They say medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. According to Longview police, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. 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.