LEBANON, TN – The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Drug Take Back Initiative on Saturday, October 24, for anyone wanting to dispose of unwanted and/or expired prescription and non-prescription drugs. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a drop-off location in the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office front parking lot located at 105 East High Street in Lebanon.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there were a total of 21,660 pounds of medications that were collected in the state of Tennessee in October of 2019, while 937,443 pounds were collected nationwide. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
“We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and get rid of expired or medication you are no longer taking,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “Your home medicine cabinet is often where young people begin experimenting with drugs. It’s important to recognize this could happen to someone in your home, including your child, your grandchild or your neighbor’s child. Please take precautions to avoid a tragedy involving your prescription drugs.”
Medications you use for legitimate reasons are often subject to theft, and can lead to addiction and ultimately even drug trafficking. Sheriff Bryan noted that there is a national epidemic of prescription drug abuse that is often the motive in numerous crimes. “We appreciate cooperative efforts such as this one,” Sheriff Bryan said, noting, “We are happy to be able to provide a place where you safely and conveniently dispose of such medicines when they are no longer needed or wanted.”
Anyone who would like to drop off medication or drugs, prescription or other, can drop it off at the event on Saturday, October 24, with no questions asked. No syringes are accepted, whether used or new, also no inhalers or liquids will be accepted.
Thank you for your cooperation.