The Smithville and Alexandria Police Departments, in cooperation with the DeKalb Prevention Coalition, will be participating in the National DEA Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Smithville City Hall at 104 East Main Street in Smithville, and at Alexandria City Hall at 102 High Street in Alexandria. Anyone in the community can drop off their expired or unused medication to a police officer.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the most common method of obtaining pills is through family and friends. Prescription drugs could be easily stolen at home when they are left in unlocked cabinets and drawers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 16.1 million Americans over the age of 12 misused prescription drugs in 2020, and that number continued to climb during the pandemic. By disposing of drugs, people could help prevent drug misuse, addiction, and potential overdoses.

Items that are accepted during the take back day include unneeded and expired prescription medications, antibiotics, steroids, cold medicine, vitamins/herbal supplements, pet medications, eye drops, and ointments. Needles, IV bags, blood sugar equipment, and illegal drugs are not accepted.