Mark your calendars, Fort Smith families! This Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership for the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day. Head over to the Fort Smith Public Library at 3201 Rogers Ave. for a chance to safely dispose of any unused or expired medications cluttering your cabinets.
It’s a simple yet significant opportunity to get involved in community wellness. By participating, you’re not only keeping potentially harmful substances out of the wrong hands but also helping to prevent environmental contamination. Disposing of medications properly ensures they don’t end up in our waterways, which is an important step in protecting local wildlife and ecosystems.
Cpl. Mike Burcham from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the county has been a part of this statewide initiative for several years now, offering residents a convenient and anonymous way to dispose of medications. It’s a quick stop during your Saturday morning errands that could make a big difference.
In addition to being a family-friendly event — feel free to bring the kids along — it’s a fantastic opportunity to teach them about responsible medication use and environmental stewardship. Explain how unused medications can be dangerous if left lying around and how proper disposal is a community responsibility. Plus, the Fort Smith Public Library is always a great spot to pick up some new reads for the kids while you’re there.
No need to worry about costs or appointments. This event is free and open to everyone, so just swing by with any pills or medications you need to part with. All types of medications are accepted, and you won’t have to fill out any forms or answer any questions.
With this initiative, Sebastian County is taking proactive steps to combat the opioid crisis and promote public health. It’s events like these that build stronger, safer communities, and every little bit helps. Whether you have a full medicine cabinet or a half-empty bottle, your participation matters.
So, gather up those old pill bottles and make a morning of it. You’ll leave knowing you’ve done something positive for your family and your community. And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave the library with a new family tradition of regular visits and a renewed appreciation for taking care of our community spaces and resources.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
