The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Hot Springs Village Police Department (HSVPD) have teamed up in a Drug Take Back project.  Over the past two months, over 150 pounds of prescription drugs, over the counter medications, vitamins and syringes were recovered between the two agencies.

Saline County and Garland County residents have benefited tremendously from this project.  More than 40% of teens who have misused or abused a prescription drugs obtained those drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinets.  Over 55% of teens described getting prescription drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinet as “easy”.  By ridding their medicine cabinets of unwanted medications, citizens have not only destroyed a large amount of pills, but have also contributed to a significant reduction in the rate of Arkansas youth prescription drug abuse.

This joint effort was strongly encouraged by 13th District, Justice of the Peace James Zahnd.  SCSO Sheriff Rodney Wright and HSVPD Chief Ricky Middleton tout this collaborative effort as a big success. Sheriff Wright and Chief Middleton encourage area residents to continue their successful efforts to drive down prescription drug abuse by taking a few minutes to visit the SCSO or HSVPD to a drop-off their unneeded medications for disposal.

A drop-box is located in the lobby of the Hot Spring Village Police Department, 113 Calella Road.  Another drop-box is located in the lobby of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, 735 S. Neeley Street.

The drop-off is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked.  Medications may be returned in any container or removed from the original pill bottles for increased privacy.  Unwanted prescription, over the counter, and vitamins or other nutritional supplements will be accepted.