Las Cruces police, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other law enforcement agencies, with the Center for Health Innovation, are hosting a prescription drug drive through take-back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at several locations within the community.
The prescription drug drive through take-back event, is free and open to anyone who wishes to properly dispose of prescription drugs. The event will be at these locations:
- Walmart Supercenter, 3331 Rinconada Boulevard, Las Cruces
- Walmart Supercenter, 1550 S. Valley Drive, Las Cruces
- Walmart Neighborhood Market, 150 Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, Las Cruces
- Walmart Supercenter, 571 Walton Boulevard, Las Cruces
- Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces
- Doña Ana County Fire Station, 601 Doña Ana School Road
- Toucan Market, 1701 E. University Ave., Las Cruces
- Mesilla Marshal's Office, 2231 Avenida De Mesilla, Mesilla
- Mesquite Fire Department, 1 Firehouse Road, Mesquite
- Stires Supermarket, 304 McCombs Road, Chaparral
- Anthony Municipal Building, 820 New Mexico State Highway 478
- Hatch Police Department, 133 Franklin St., Hatch
Residents are encouraged to drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs – in pills or patch forms – during the event. Unfortunately, the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles during the take-back event. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions will be asked.
In addition to the take-back event, partner agencies will have prescription drug handbooks for parents, and educational material on safeguarding prescription medications and proper methods of disposal of medications.
The take-back initiative addresses vital public safety and health issues. Unused and outdated medications are susceptible to misuse or abuses that can result in accidental poisonings and overdoses. Traditional methods of disposing unused medications, such as throwing them in the trash or flushing them down a toilet, can pose safety and health hazards.