The Cass County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Northeast Texas Coalition Against Substance Abuse to provide a drop box for residents to dispose of their unneeded prescription medications.
"We are so pleased to be able to do this for Cass County," said Sheriff Larry Rowe. "Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic across the country. By disposing of their leftover drugs, residents can help us make sure we're doing our part to turn back the tide."
The prescription drug drop box was purchased by a grant awarded to the Northeast Texas Coalition Against Substance Abuse, who then approached the Sheriff's Office to facilitate the maintenance of the box and the collection of drugs, said Brad Johnson, coalition coordinator for Next Step Community Solutions, the nonprofit that runs the coalition.
Under the Drug Enforcement Agency's regulations, only law enforcement or pharmacies can possess drugs prescribed to someone else.
According to regional data, controlled substances are prescribed in this region at a higher rate than the state. And according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 66 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them from a friend or relative.
The drop box is located in the lobby of the sheriff's office and is available to the public during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., no questions asked. The drugs will be routinely incinerated.
The Sheriff's Office is located at 604 Highway 8 in Linden, Texas.
Any pills or sealed patches can be accepted at the drop box. Needles or other sharps, thermometers, ointments, lotions, liquids, inhalers and aerosols are not accepted.