Las Cruces police, the DEA and other law enforcement agencies along with the Center for Health Innovation are hosting a prescription drug take-back event Saturday at several locations within the community.
The prescription drug take-back event, which is free and open to anyone who wishes to properly dispose of prescription drugs, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at:
- Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces.
- Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave.
- CVS Pharmacy,3011 N. Main St., Las Cruces.
- CVS Pharmacy, 940 N. Main St., Las Cruces.
- Dona Ana County Fire Station, 601 Dona Ana School Rd., Mesilla.
- Mesilla Town Hall, 2231 Avenida De Mesilla, Mesilla.
- Mesquite Fire Department, 1 Firehouse Road, Mesquite.
- Stires Supermarket, 304 McCombs Rd., Chaparral.
- Anthony Municipal Building, 820 NM 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, 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 Unused and outdated medications are susceptible to misuse or abuses that can result in accidental poisonings and overdoses.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.