(KFSM) — Law enforcement agencies in Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley and eastern Oklahoma will be hard at work this Saturday (April 27) collecting unused prescription drugs as part of the National Drug Take Back Day.
The idea behind Drug Take Back Day is for law enforcement officers to collect unused medication so it doesn't end up in the wrong hands. Local officers say the event helps prevent drug abuse and overdoses in the community.
For those who can't make it out this Saturday, many area sheriff's offices and some police departments have drop-off boxes at their locations dedicated to prescription medication.
Local agencies including Fayetteville, Springdale, Van Buren and Poteau police departments are among those taking part in the event, as are several sheriff's departments, including Benton, Washington, Sebastian and Crawford counties.
A complete list can be found by searching via the collection site locator on the Drug Enforcement Administration website. Clicking "Map" beside each agency will show the location where the drugs will be collected on Saturday.
Walmart is also participating in the event, with law enforcement agencies setting up disposal booths in the parking lot of the following stores:
• 367 W Cherry St., Alma
• 1000 W Trimble Ave., Berryville
• 3919 North Mall Ave., Fayetteville
• 551 Liberty Dr., Greenwood
• 2004 S Pleasant St., Springdale
• 3553 E Robinson Ave., Springdale
These locations will also offer a free wellness screening offering free blood pressure, blood glucose and BMI screenings, pharmacist consultations, low-cost immunizations by health professionals (most insurance plans accepted), nutrition information, opioid awareness materials and free vision screenings in select locations.
Both events take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In addition to Saturday's event, several local agencies have permanent drug collection boxes in their lobbies, including Van Buren and Springdale Police and the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office. Several agencies with permanent boxes are listed on the DEA's Take Back Day website.