Something new is now inside the lobby of the Chattooga County Jail, and your law enforcement officials are hoping the “Big White Box” will take a big bite out of a major problem — the proper disposal of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that are out of date or not needed any more. Rx drug abuse among all age groups is currently being reported by law enforcement agencies across the state and country as a real and growing danger. In addition, unsafe disposal of Rx and OTC medications is costly to our environment and, therefore, to our health.

In response to the growing demand for a safe and convenient way to dispose of household Rx and OTC drugs, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs recently launched “Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative”. It kicked off with The Council donating a Drug Drop Box in virtually every county in the state that requested one (128 counties to date.)  The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has installed the “Big White Box” at 35 West Washington Street, Summerville, GA, 30747.  Chattooga County’s “Big White Box” is accessible to the public 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  We have partnered with the DEA to participate in the National Take Back Initiative, scheduled for April 27th, from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM.

The Campaign goals are to keep these drugs out of the hands of children and teens, off the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, and avoid environmental contamination by not throwing drugs in the toilet, sink, or trash. Items that can be placed in these secure drug drop boxes include expired and unused prescription (non-narcotics and narcotics), OTC drugs, medication samples, medicated ointment/lotion, drops, inhalers, unopened epi-pens, herbals, and veterinary medications. Items that should not be placed in the boxes include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office constantly strives to be proactive in enhancing public safety and saving lives in Chattooga County.  For more information on “Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative” please contact Sheriff Schrader or Chief Woods. For more information on preventing prescription drug misuse and abuse please visit http://www.stoprxabuseinga.org or email John Bringuel at jbringuel@livedrugfree.org.