About

The Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative can trace its roots back to Spring 2010, when the Benton Police Department, along with several community partners, hosted a local drug-collection event called “Operation Medicine Cabinet.”

That same year, the State of Arkansas launched the statewide “Monitor.Secure.Dispose” public education program. At the national level, the Office of National Drug Control Policy was calling for an increase in prescription drug disposal programs, and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) organized its first “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” in September.

Today, ARORP and the Arkansas Office of the Drug Director, along with several partners, continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to host Arkansas Drug Take Back collection drives each April and October to give local residents a safe and secure way to properly dispose of unused and expired medications and prescriptions.

Leadership

The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership is responsible for the disbursement of the cities’ and counties’ portion of the state’s national opioid settlement dollars. Among ARORP’s core principles are to “abate the opioid epidemic at the community and family levels” and to “involve communities in education and prevention efforts.” The Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative is one of the many programs that ARORP prioritizes to address these principles.

ARORP’s current director, Kirk Lane, was instrumental in the development of the Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative, dating back to the 2010 “Operation Medicine Cabinet” drug-collection hosted by the Benton Police Department.

Today, ARORP considers the Arkansas Drug Take Back program as a key effort for reducing the opioid epidemic in The Natural State

The Arkansas Office of the Drug Director’s Office, led by Tom Fisher, strives to tackle the issue of drug and alcohol abuse comprehensively, encompassing prevention, treatment, and law enforcement initiatives. The Office also has responsibilities within the state’s “Drug Task Force Authority and Structure”

In its role to oversee and coordinate alcohol and drug education, prevention, treatment and law enforcement programs throughout Arkansas, the Office prioritizes the Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative as a primary driver in abating substance misuse and abuse in the state.

Along with ARORP, the Drug Director’s Office works with local law enforcement agencies to host Arkansas Drug Take Back events in April and October, as well as provide secure and anonymous drug drop-off sites throughout the state year-round.