The Arkansas Center for Nursing is proud to announce the 2021 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40! Congratulations to these amazing nurse leaders!

Jennifer Shuler is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with 11 years of APRN experience. She graduated from Arkansas State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working in critical care for two years full time, she enrolled in UAMS College of Nursing seeking a Master of Nursing Science. She entered the program in Fall 2007 and graduated in December 2010. She achieved national board certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in March of 2011. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, as well as the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association.

With 19 years of clinical experience in various practice settings, Jennifer has worked as a nurse technician, LPN, RN, and APRN in direct patient care. In 2018, she transitioned to administration working at the Arkansas Department of Human Services in the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services with the Treatment Team under the Arkansas Drug Director, Kirk Lane. With her provider status and varied background, she hopes to encourage other providers to become DEA waivered and provide office based opioid treatment to better the lives of Arkansans.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys time with her husband and daughter. With friends and family close by, she spends time with her loved ones frequently. She volunteers as a provider at Harmony Clinic, a free medical clinic in Little Rock.

If you would’ve asked me five years ago what I would be doing today, I guarantee you the answer would not have been anything remotely close to writing this article and being employed by both the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. In February of 2017 I returned to using heroin and prescription opioids after a brief period of abstinence. This period of abstinence was a result of my second attempt at residential treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD). My first attempt and exposure to treatment was at the age of 17. Alcoholism and drug addiction are a common denominator in my family. Watching family members drink, use drugs, fight, or get arrested was a normal part of life. I was desensitized to substance abuse and the lifestyle that came along with it. The abnormal was normal. At the age of 13, following the death of my grandmother, I slowly began my own personal journey down the road of substance use. What began as occasionally drinking alcohol quickly progressed to abusing over the counter cough medicines, like Robitussin, to eventually smoke Marijuana daily. This soon led to multiple arrests and a bad reputation. However, I maintained my attendance in school and continued making decent grades. By the time I graduated from Benton High School in 2008 I had been arrested multiple times, completed a residential SUD treatment program, and experimented with just about every drug I could get my hands on.

I was accepted to the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and enrolled to begin my freshman year in Fall 2008. I fell in love with the college life and quickly found my place on campus. Throughout my time at UCA I excelled academically and socially. I made 3.5 and 4.0 GPAs. I was elected to President and Vice-President positions in my fraternity and other campus organizations. On the surface it appeared that I was doing everything I should be doing and doing it at a very high level. Underneath the surface there was a darker narrative unfolding. During my freshman year, I had my wisdom teeth removed. As is commonplace, I received a prescription of opioids after the procedure.

Early on, I began taking the Oxycodone as prescribed to dull the pain from the surgery. This quickly escalated to calling-in refills and within two months, I developed a tolerance for the drug needing more and more of the medication to achieve the desired effect. By the time I was out of refills, I was trapped in the vicious cycle of opioid addiction. I had no idea at the time but that one Oxycodone prescription would eventually lead me to homelessness and a life controlled by a needle full of heroin and/or prescription opioids. When I began my senior year of college, I was spending $100 or more a day on prescription opioids. It was no longer about the euphoria, rush of energy or overall high. It was simply about not being sick. I needed the medication to avoid the withdrawal symptoms and maintain the image that I was doing good. I limped through my senior year and graduated from UCA in 2013. The irony of it all is that I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies. I thought I was fooling the world but in reality, I was only fooling myself.

I would end up spending the next four years living with a timer in my head. The timer told me when I needed to use to keep the withdrawal symptoms away. I would do things I never thought I would do. Go places I never thought I would go. And hang out with people I never thought I would be around. I graduated from taking opioids orally to snorting them to eventually intravenously using heroin. It destroyed every aspect of my life. My relationships with friends and family were broken and strained. I was arrested multiple times for a variety of reasons such as driving while intoxicated and theft of property. I totaled two vehicles and burned every bridge to the point that I would eventually become homeless. This brings me
back to 2017.

Read the rest of the story here: https://ardrugtakeback.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kyle-Brewer-Stronger-Together.pdf

More than 12 tons of medications were collected at the 22^nd semi-annual Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, nearly doubling the amount collected in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi combined. In all take back day events since 2010, more than 233 tons of medications have been collected and destroyed in an environmentally safe method.

Though national numbers from DEA sponsored Drug Take Back Day on October 23, 2021, are not completed, it is confirmed that Arkansas collected 24,680 pounds, Alabama collected 4,708 pounds, Louisiana collected 4,393 pounds and Mississippi collected 5,942 pounds of medications. Officers from 111 law enforcement agencies operated Drug Take Back Day sites across the state at 148 DEA registered locations (the DEA statistic doesn’t include the 270 permanent drop box locations where many Drug Take Back Day events were held.)

Prescription medicines are toxic waste and pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment. Dispose of expired & unneeded medications in an environmentally save method by taking them to any of the 270 permanent drop box locations in Arkansas. To find a location, visit ardrugtakeback.org, click on the Collection Sites tab and enter a zip code.

The top 10 collection sites from the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day were:

1. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office – 3,707 pounds
2. Harrison Police Department – 1,747 pounds
3. Washington County Sheriff’s Office – 1,193 pounds
4. Baxter County Sheriff’s Office – 895 pounds
5. Benton Police Department – 843 pounds
6. Jonesboro Police Department – 765 pounds
7. Texarkana Police Department – 756 pounds
8. Sherwood Police Department – 676 pounds
9. North Little Rock Police Department – 611 pounds
10. Garland County Sheriff’s Department and Springdale Police Department (tied) – 600 pounds

Arkansas Drug Take Back Day History

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), as part of its National Drug Control Strategy, called for an increase of prescription drug return and disposal programs as a means to curbing prescription drug abuse. In early 2010, a coalition led by the State Drug Director, the Attorney General, both Arkansas Districts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and numerous federal, local, and state agencies, prevention professionals, and private organizations, launched an ongoing education program to encourage everyone to “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” their prescription medications.

As part of the “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” effort, the coalition organized Arkansas’s participation in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Initiative and take back events took place on September 25, 2010; April 30, 2011; October 29, 2011; April 28, 2012; September 29, 2012; April 27, 2013; October 26, 2013; April 26, 2014; and September 27, 2014.   DEA announced the discontinuation of the national initiative in September 2014, but an Arkansas take back event under the leadership of partners within the state was held on April 25, 2015. The DEA then reinstated the program nationally on September 26, 2015, and has participated semi-annually since 2016 with Drug Take Back Day events held bi-annually in April and October.

Due to the commitment, dedication, and effort of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Community, its partners, and the multi-agency coalition, and due to excellent participation by Arkansans in all areas of the state, the take back events have been successful above and beyond all expectations. All medications collected are destroyed at environmentally safe facilities across the United States. Prescription medicines are a toxic waste and pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Medicines flushed or poured down the drain end up in the waterways, affecting our drinking water.

Provisional data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate an estimated 93,331 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2020, an increase of 29.4% from the 72,151 deaths predicted in 2019. In Arkansas, 547 people died from a drug overdose death in 2020.

What: 22nd Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day (partnership with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day)

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021

Where: At secure collection sites statewide; full list at https://ardrugtakeback.org/take-back/collection-sites/

The 22nd semi-annual Arkansas Drug Take Back Day will have nearly 300 locations across the state to encourage residents to dispose of expired and unneeded prescription medications in an environmentally safe method and it can save lives.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from their homes. The event, in partnership with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, provides an opportunity for communities to address substance use disorder and overdose deaths.

Provisional data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate that there were an estimated 93,331 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2020, an increase of 29.4% from the 72,151 deaths predicted in 2019. In Arkansas, 547 people died from a drug overdose death in 2020.

“The Arkansas Drug Take Back Program is an educational program to encourage all citizens to keep their households safe,” said Kirk Lane, Arkansas Drug Director. “The more we can get people to monitor, secure and properly dispose of the medications, the more we can save lives through less accessibility of those that can intentionally or unintentionally abuse or misuse them.”

(1) Monitor – Know where you medications are and how many/much you have at all times.
(2) Secure – Lock up your medications. Don’t let them end up in the hands of someone you love to abuse them, which could even cost them their life.
(3) Dispose – The only way to properly (environmentally safe) way to get rid of expired and unneeded medications is to take them to a drug take back box or join us on Saturday, Oct. 23 for the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day at any of the 250+ locations across the state. Locations are on our website: https://ardrugtakeback.org/take-back/collection-sites/

The theme this time is focusing on the senior population – our parents and grandparents. Did you know that nearly 1 million adults aged 65 and older live with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)? But even those who don’t have SUD can fall victim to stolen medicine and the last thing they’d want is to find out a someone in their family used their home to get their medications for illegal use.

Also, never flush medicine and don’t throw them in the trash. Prescription medicines are a toxic waste & pose a danger to people, pets, & the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Medicines flushed or poured down the drain end up in the waterways, affecting our drinking water. A recent study shows that 80% of U.S. streams contain small amounts of human medicines. Sewage systems cannot remove these medicines from water which is released into lakes, rivers, or oceans. Fish & other aquatic animals have shown adverse effects from medicines in the water. Even very small amounts of medicine have been found in drinking water, & recent studies have shown opioids appearing in marine animals in some areas of the U.S.

Pets can also be exposed to toxic medications when they are thrown into the trash. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, 19.7% of pet poisoning calls in 2019 were attributed to over-the-counter medications and 17.2% were attributed to human prescription medications.

The medications collected during the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day will be counted for statistical purposes and the Arkansas National Guard will later transport them to be destroyed at a facility in an environmentally safe manner.

Arkansas has remained in the top 15 in the amount of medications collected since the first DEA National Drug Take Back Day event started on Sept. 25, 2010. Though the state is 33rd in population with slightly more than 3 million people, Arkansas ranks 2nd nationally in pounds collected per capita and 9th in total weight collected. The Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Office of the State Drug Director thank all Federal, State, and local agency partners as well as the community organizations and public health providers who continually make Arkansas’s Drug Take Back Day one of the foremost prevention programs in the state.

In all previous Arkansas Drug Take Back Day events, dating back to September 25, 2010, Arkansas has collected 442,162 pounds (221 tons) and consecutively ranks in the top 15 in numerous Drug Take Back Day event categories, despite ranking 34^th in U.S. population (based on the 2020 U.S. Census).

Arkansas Drug Take Back Day History

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), as part of its National Drug Control Strategy, called for an increase of prescription drug return and disposal programs to curb prescription drug abuse. In early 2010, a coalition led by the State Drug Director, the Attorney General, both Arkansas Districts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and numerous federal, local, and state agencies, prevention professionals, and private organizations, launched an ongoing education program to encourage everyone to “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” their prescription medications.

As part of the “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” effort, the coalition organized Arkansas’s participation in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Initiative, and take back events took place on September 25, 2010; April 30, 2011; October 29, 2011; April 28, 2012; September 29, 2012; April 27, 2013; October 26, 2013; April 26, 2014; and September 27, 2014. DEA announced the discontinuation of the national initiative in September 2014, but an Arkansas Drug Take Back Day event under the leadership of partners within the state was held on April 25, 2015. The DEA then reinstated the program nationally on September 26, 2015, and participates semi-annually since 2016 with Drug Take Back Day events held in April and October.

Due to the commitment, dedication, and effort of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Community, its partners, and the multi-agency coalition, and due to excellent participation by Arkansans in all areas of the state, the take back events have been successful above and beyond all expectations.

An emmy-nominated filmmaker is set to release a new documentary about the opioid epidemic in communities throughout Arkansas.

Washington D.C. – The Annual Ramstad/Kennedy Award for outstanding leadership recognizes Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane for his leadership in recovery support programs across his state and nationally.  The award was established in honor of Congressmen Jim Ramstad and Patrick Kennedy. The two Congressmen have been vocal advocates of recovery support services in all forms, and championed localized efforts to support prevention, treatment, and recovery.

“Now, more than ever before, dedicated leaders like Mr. Lane are critical to combatting historic rates of overdoses and helping families to navigate the brain disease of addiction,” said former U.S. Rep. and founder of The Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy. “It takes thoughtful, consistent action—not just words—to truly make a difference in communities. I applaud Mr. Lane for embodying the spirit of recovery in every way.”

Kathryn Ramstad, wife of Congressman Ramstad, participated in the Award presentation.  “I am deeply grateful to the Recovery Month Planning Partners for continuing to honor Jim’s legacy,” she said. “I know Jim is smiling down on you today with gratitude for all you do each and every day to spread the message that recovery is possible.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes that long-term recovery is not only possible but is the goal of addiction treatment and recovery support programs. The 2021 honoree has worked to spread this positive message and the message that prevention can be effective in helping to break the cycle of addiction in families.

Kirk Lane supports proven programs such as the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day; Arkansas is the sixth in the nation in the amount of law enforcement agencies who participate in the drug take back day.  Kirk continues to be instrumental in the development and growth of Peer Recovery.  His support and belief in recovering people is the reason Peer Recovery is thriving in Arkansas.  He empowers his team to plan and host the Annual Peer Recovery Conference in September bringing together Peer Specialists and community stakeholders to learn, grow and network to support recovery sustainability.  Kirk actively participates in overdose awareness events standing in solidarity with the recovery community and family members who have lost a loved one to an overdose.

“Director Lane’s heart and support for recovery is intentional and apparent in every aspect of his office leading the Arkansas Office of Drug Director and Department of Human Services.  Together, in partnership with the dedicated organizations who comprise the Recovery Month Planning Partners, recovery success stories are becoming commonplace in Arkansas, in part because of Kirk’s on-going and exceptional leadership and commitment,” said Sis Wenger, President and CEO of the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), a Recovery Month Planning Partner.”

“The Ramstad/Kennedy award is awarded to Kirk Lane a leader dedicated to support prevention, treatment and recovery in Arkansas. On behalf of over 200 collaborating organizations in the Recovery Month Planning Partners, we congratulate Kirk on his vision and commitment” said Recovery Month partner Marie Gallo Dyak, President of the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.

Both Retired Minnesota 3^rd district representative Jim Ramstad and Retired Rhode Island 1^st district representative Patrick J. Kennedy also championed a mental health and addiction parity law in 2008 requiring easily accessible health insurance coverage for mental illness and addiction treatment.  Together the Congressmen sponsored Recovery Month and other programs to further therapy, treatment, and recovery services for these illnesses across the country. The award in their names honors a recipient who has shown upmost commitment in expanding the prospects for recovery of addicted persons and their families.

More than 1,000 lives have been saved through the Arkansas Naloxone Project, which provides Naloxone (often referred by the brand name Narcan) kits to first responders across the state. Beyond saving a life, first responders are tasked to provide treatment and recovery resources, and the data advances education efforts about opioid addiction in Arkansas.

The number one priority is to save that person’s life and it’s not just the humanity aspect of why we do this,” said Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane, who works with the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services. “Keeping people breathing that have overdosed for whatever reason gives that person a second chance to seek treatment and recovery. With recovery capabilities available now in the state, sustaining sobriety is a reality.”

The Arkansas Naloxone Project kicked off October 2016 with the training of law enforcement agencies, rural fire and EMS organizations, school nurses, librarians, and treatment and recovery facilities, on how to correctly administer naloxone. At the end of the training, they received naloxone kits, which included a nasal form of naloxone called Narcan, an FDA-approved medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid-induced overdose.

The Arkansas Naloxone Project is a partnership among the State Drug Director’s Office, DHS, and the Criminal Justice Institute along with hundreds of trained first responders. The kits are funded through federal grants and private grants like the Arkansas Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. Additionally, in 2020, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson issued a standing order allowing Arkansas-licensed pharmacists to sell naloxone to people who have friends and loved ones at risk of overdosing, and Arkansas Code Annotated 20-13-604 provides immunity from civil liability to those who administer naloxone during an overdose.

“Too many families in Arkansas have experienced the loss of a loved one due to an opioid overdose,” said Criminal Justice Director Dr. Cheryl May. “By equipping first responders with naloxone, additional lives can be saved, and families can be spared this loss.”

To help people administer the medication, the State Drug Director’s Office and Criminal Justice Institute created the nARcansas app, which is a free opioid overdose resource that provides steps on how to administer a life-saving dose of naloxone as well as other valuable resources about opioids. The app includes voice directions in English and Spanish for administering naloxone. To download the app, go Google Play or the Apple App Store. To learn more about the State’s efforts to combat opioid abuse, go to ardrugtakeback.org. To get mental health or addiction help for yourself or a loved one in Arkansas, please call 1-844-763-0198.

Arkansans continue to entrust in the DEA Drug Take Back Day program leading the state to another top 10 completion in multiple categories nationally, including ranking third in grand total pounds per person. The state ranks fifth nationally in pounds per person for the Drug Take Back Day on April 24, 2021, but in the total of all 21 Drug Take Back Day events, the state ranks third in pounds per person, behind first-place Maine and second-place Wisconsin.

Arkansas ranks fifth in the amount of law enforcement agencies (207) who participated in the April 24, 2021, Drug Take Back Day, an increase from 197 and sixth rank during the October 24, 2020, Drug Take Back Day event. The state ranks 15^th in the number of collection sites (131) for the April 24, 2021, Drug Take Back Day, an increase of five spots from the 20^th rank during the October 2020 Drug Take Back Day, which the DEA totaled 91 sites (the DEA statistic doesn’t include the 270 permanent drop box locations where many Drug Take Back Day events were held.)

Arkansas totaled 28,705 pounds (14.35 tons) of mediations collected from the April 24, 2021, Drug Take Back Day, which is 9^th nationally. In all 21 Drug Take Back events dating back to September 25, 2010, Arkansas has collected 442,162 pounds (221 tons) and consecutively ranks in the top 15 in numerous Drug Take Back Day event categories, despite ranking 34^th in U.S. population (based on the 2020 U.S. Census).

Nationally, the U.S. collected 839,543 pounds (420 tons) of medications on April 24, 2021. Since 2010, the DEA Drug Take Back Day program has collected 14,524,391 pounds (7,262 tons) of medications. A total of 4,425 law enforcement agencies participated nationally in the April 24, 2021, Drug Take Back Day and there were 5,060 collection sites nationwide, according to the DEA.

Arkansas continues to lead the four-state DEA region (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) accounting for 63% of medications collected during the April 24, 2021, Drug Take Back Day and 65% total of all 21 Drug Take Back Day events. Arkansas also averages more participating law enforcement agencies than the other three states combined.

All medications collected are destroyed at environmentally safe facilities across the United States. Prescription medicines are toxic waste and pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Medicines flushed or poured down the drain ends up in the waterways, affecting our drinking water. More than half of the 444 reported drug overdose deaths in Arkansas in 2018 involved opioid medications and more than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2019. Always monitor and secure all medications, and when they are ready to be disposed of, do so in an environmentally safe method by taking them to any of the 270 permanent drop box locations in Arkansas. To find a location, visit ardrugtakeback.org, click on the Collection Sites tab and enter a zip code.

Arkansas Drug Take Back Day History

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), as part of its National Drug Control Strategy, called for an increase of prescription drug return and disposal programs to curb prescription drug abuse. In early 2010, a coalition led by the State Drug Director, the Attorney General, both Arkansas Districts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and numerous federal, local, and state agencies, prevention professionals, and private organizations, launched an ongoing education program to encourage everyone to “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” their prescription medications.

As part of the “Monitor, Secure, and Dispose” effort, the coalition organized Arkansas’s participation in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Initiative, and take back events took place on September 25, 2010; April 30, 2011; October 29, 2011; April 28, 2012; September 29, 2012; April 27, 2013; October 26, 2013; April 26, 2014; and September 27, 2014.   DEA announced the discontinuation of the national initiative in September 2014, but an Arkansas Drug Take Back Day event under the leadership of partners within the state was held on April 25, 2015. The DEA then reinstated the program nationally on September 26, 2015, and participates semi-annually since 2016 with Drug Take Back Day events held in April and October.

Due to the commitment, dedication, and effort of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Community, its partners, and the multi-agency coalition, and due to excellent participation by Arkansans in all areas of the state, the take back events have been successful above and beyond all expectations.

National Comparison (all Drug Take Back Day events):

• Arkansas ranks #3 nationally in pounds collected per capita with 0.147 pounds per person. Maine ranks #1 with 0.352 pounds per person and Wisconsin ranks #2 at 0.149 pounds per person.1
• Arkansas is 34^th in population and ranks #12 in total weight collected with 442,162 pounds (221 tons).¹
• The four-state DEA region consisting of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi has a total weight of 675,451 pounds for all Drug Take Back Day events. Arkansas, despite being the least populated of the four, accounted for 65% of the total weight and averages more participating law enforcement agencies than the other three states combined.

Drug Take Back Day event #21 only:

• Arkansas ranks #9 nationally in weight collected (Top 10: Texas, Wisconsin, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri, respectively)
• Arkansas ranks #5 per capita (Top 10: Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Delaware, Alaska, and Missouri, respectively)
• Arkansas ranks #6 in the number of law enforcement agencies participation.
• Arkansas ranks #16 in the number of collection sites (the DEA statistic doesn’t include the 270 permanent drop box locations where many Drug Take Back Day events were held.)

¹ Determined using 2020 census estimates. ² Determined using data supplied by the National DEA.

Local Comparison

Weight Collected Per Law Enforcement Agency (Take Back 21 only):

1. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office ranks #1 with 3,510 pounds collected.
2. Garland County Sheriff’s Office ranks #2 with 2,000 pounds collected.
3. Washington County Sheriff’s Office ranks #3 with 1,436 pounds collected.
4. Benton Police Department ranks #4 with 1,112 pounds collected.
5. North Little Rock Police Department ranks #5 with 892 pounds collected.

Honorable mention: Gentry Police Department ranks #6 with 831 pounds collected.

What: 20^th Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day (partnership with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day)

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2021

Where: At secure collection sites statewide; full list at https://ardrugtakeback.org/take-back/collection-sites/

The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day returns for an 11^th year with nearly 300 sites across the state for residents to dispose of expired or unused medications. Prescription medicines are a toxic waste and pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Medicines flushed or poured down the drain end up in the waterways, affecting our drinking water.

More than half of the 444 reported drug overdose deaths in Arkansas in 2018 involved opioid medications and more than 70,000 Americans died from overdoses in 2019. But there is something we can all do to reduce these deaths. Monitor and secure all medications at all times, and when they are ready to be disposed, do so in an environmentally save method – take them to any of the 250-plus permanent drug take back boxes throughout Arkansas or join us for the 20^th Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021. To find locations throughout the state, go to ardrugtakeback.org and click the Collection Sites tab.

“Arkansas remains the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the nation, which makes this program partnership with the DEA critical for keeping state residents safe and healthy,” said Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane. “Getting all those unneeded and expired medications out of medicine cabinets, or anywhere they are stored in the home, to a Take Back Day event site ultimately will save lives by keeping them out of the hands of those who will misuse them. This program also keeps them out of the water supply, as we’ll have them destroyed in an environmentally safe method at a local facility.”

The prescription medications will later be counted for statistical purposes and destroyed at a facility in an environmentally safe manner. Disposing of expired or unused medications at a Prescription Drug Take Back Day event or permanent drop box protects our health, environment, communities, and it saves lives.

Throwing medications in the trash, even if they are mixed with materials such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, will still make it to a landfill and seep through the soil and into ground water. There’s also a danger of people and/or pets finding medications in the home – The Animal Poison Control Center said 17 percent of pet poisoning calls in 2020 were attributed to over-the-counter medications and 15 percent of calls was attributed to human prescription medications.

Arkansas has remained in the top 15 in the amount of medications collected since the first DEA National Drug Take Back Day event started on Sept. 25, 2010. Though the state is 33^rd in population with slightly more than 3 million people, Arkansas ranks 2nd nationally in pounds collected per capita and 9th in total weight collected. The Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Office of the State Drug Director thank all Federal, State, and local agency partners as well as the community organizations and public health providers who continually make Arkansas’s Drug Take Back Day one of the foremost prevention programs in the state.

Two-thirds of teenagers & young adults who report abuse of prescription medications say they get the majority of the medications from friends, family & acquaintances.

• DON’T leave medication bottles or pill cases lying around
• DON’T store medicines in an unsecured medicine cabinet or bathroom drawer
• DON’T ignore warning signs (Ex: bottles tampered with, pills missing or drugged behavior of someone in your home)
• DO lock up medications in a lock box or hide them in a safe place
• DO keep track of medications – count pills, make marks on liquid containers
• DO keep track of refills – refilling medicine more often than expected can indicate a problem
• DO encourage relatives, friends & neighbors to monitor medications & participate in the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day.

To find AR Drug Take Back Day locations throughout the state, go to ardrugtakeback.org and click the Collection Sites tab (https://ardrugtakeback.org/take-back/collection-sites/ ) and type in your zip code. The site will continue to update locations throughout the month until the event date. While there, be sure to download the nARcansas app- a free resource containing tools to administer naloxone, an opioid antagonist, in the moment of an opioid overdose and continued steps to save a person’s life. Though it should be used in an emergency situation only, Naloxone has no effect on non-opioid overdoses. The nARcansas app was created in a partnership with the Office of Arkansas Drug Director, Criminal Justice Institute, Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services and Team Si. Naloxone is available for purchase by the public at pharmacies throughout Arkansas.

More information: Prescription medicines pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment if the medications are not disposed of properly. Since 2010, Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back events have provided a safe way to collect and destroy these medications. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes national Drug Take Back events semi-annually. Hundreds of Arkansas agencies have come together to partner with the DEA hosting Take Back Days in Arkansas to curb prescription drug abuse. In ten years of the program, more than 206 tons have been destroyed in an environmentally safe manner. The Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Office of the State Drug Director thank all Federal, State, and local agency partners as well as the community organizations and public health providers who continually make Arkansas’s Drug Take Back Day one of the foremost prevention programs in the state.