103 Pounds of Unused Prescriptions Safely Disposed Of During Take-Back Event

DURANT, Okla. – In April, Choctaw Nation partnered with several agencies to host National Drug Take-Back Day events throughout Southeastern Oklahoma, resulting in the collection of over 103 pounds of medication. The event provided a safe and convenient way for Oklahomans to dispose of their unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medications. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.

By disposing of unused medications properly, participants can help to ensure that these drugs do not end up in the wrong hands or harm the environment. Drugs received from take-back events are properly destroyed by law enforcement.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 9.2 million Americans misused opioids in the previous year. Proper disposal of unused medications can help prevent these drugs from being diverted for misuse or abuse. The same year, the percentage of people who needed substance use treatment was higher among American Indian or Alaska Natives at 28.7% compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

“National Drug Take Back Day provides Oklahomans with an important opportunity to safely dispose of their unused medications, while also raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse,” said Callie Hagelberger, Cultural Treatment Advocate for the Choctaw Nation Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project. “By participating in this event, we can all take a meaningful step towards preventing drug misuse and promoting public health.”

Unused medications can also be taken to Choctaw Nation Pharmacies or several County Sherriff Offices throughout the Choctaw Nation reservation.

Atoka County

• Atoka County Sheriff’s Office, 200 E. Court St., Atoka, OK 74525

Bryan County

• Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, 402 W. Evergreen, Durant, OK 74523
• Durant Police Department, 3104 Carl Albert Dr., Durant, OK 74701
• Bokchito Police Department, 117 E. Main St., Bokchito, OK 74726
• Calera Police Department, 112 W. Main St., Calera, OK 74701
• Choctaw Nation Public Safety, 1802 Chukka Hina, Durant, OK 74701

Coal County

• Coal County Sheriff’s Office, 4 N. Main, Suite 8, Coalgate, OK 74538

Haskell County

• Haskell County Sheriff’s Office, 1304 E. Industrial St., Stigler, OK 74462

Choctaw County

• Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, 305 E. Duke, Hugo, OK 74743

Hughes County

• Holdenville Police Department, 100 N. Creek St., Holdenville, OK 74848

Latimer County

• Latimer County Sheriff’s Office, 111 N. Central Ave, Wilburton, OK 74578

LeFlore County

• Leflore County Sheriff’s Office, 100 S. Broadway St., Poteau, OK 74953
• Poteau Police Department, 110 Peters Ave, Poteau, OK 74953
• Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, One Choctaw Way, Talihina, OK 74571
• Arkoma Police Department, 1103 Main St., Arkoma, OK 74902
• Pocola Police Department, 204 S. Pocola Blvd., Pocola, OK 74902
• Talihina Police Department, 205 Dallas St., Talihina, OK 74571

McCurtain County

• McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, 200 N. Central, Idabel, OK 74745
• Broken Bow Police Department, 215 N. Main St., Broken Bow, OK 74728

Pittsburg County

• Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, 1210 N. West St., McAlester, OK 74501
• McAlester Police Department, 301 E Carl Albert Pkwy, McAlester, OK 74501
• CVS Pharmacy, 21 S Strong Blvd, McAlester, OK 74501

Pushmataha County

• Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office, 207 S. W. Main 3rd St., Antlers, OK 74523