News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cumberland Prevention Coalition one of several organizations gearing up for the 2022 Drug Takeback Day this Saturday.
Director Bob Valerio said the idea behind the takeback day is to provide the community with a way to get rid of any old or unused prescription medication. He said it also serves as one of the key prevention methods to avoid having medications fall into the wrong hands.
“Students report that about 14 to 15 percent of kids here in Cumberland County where I am, kids get these by taking them out of someone’s medicine cabinet,” Valerio said. “Either family members, or friends. They’re much more likely to get them that way than they are to get a prescription.”
Valerio said that the takebacks are sponsored by the Sheriff’s Department. He said that they will have three locations in Crossville, including the Sheriff’s office, next to Kroger at the old Crossville Smiles, and the Fairfield Glade Food City, where people can drop off their medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Valerio said that they do not accept syringes or street drugs.
Valerio said that they will also be providing medication lock-boxes for as long as supplies last.
“Not only do we want people to come to turn in their medications, but if they do have them and need them, we want them to have safe storage,” Valerio said.
Other takebacks are set for Overton, Clay, Putnam, and DeKalb counties.
