By Robyn Woods

On October 26, 2024, Pearl River County Hospital will be a collection site for the biannual DEA National Takeback event. The Takeback Event will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, providing a free, safe way to dispose of unneeded medications and used syringes.

Officers will be set up in the hospital’s main office to assist with the collection. Once items are dropped off, they will be stored in a secured container until a DEA agent retrieves them the following Monday for safe disposal.

This event is designed to minimize the risk of drug misuse and enhance public safety by offering families simple, no-cost options for disposing of unwanted medications that may be vulnerable to abuse or theft. 

“We want to spread the word about the event and encourage our community to take advantage of this opportunity,” said regional director of pharmacy Hailey Hayes. “By safely disposing of unused medications, we can prevent drug abuse and keep our community safe.”

Last April’s event saw the largest turnout yet, and Hayes hopes that the continued outreach will foster a safer community. Efforts like these play a vital role in combating the challenges of drug misuse and protecting public health.