Jefferson County, Arkansas – As opioid misuse and prescription drug abuse continue to pose serious threats to public health and safety, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up once again by participating in this year’s Arkansas Drug Take-Back Day. Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the initiative provides a safe, anonymous, and convenient opportunity for residents to dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications. The event represents a broader, statewide collaboration among law enforcement, public health officials, and local government agencies working to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Tri-County Drug Task Force, the Joint Task Force Arkansas Counterdrug, the Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association, and the Arkansas Office of the Drug Director. These agencies are working in coordination with the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), a program led by the Arkansas Municipal League and the Association of Arkansas Counties. ARORP oversees the strategic allocation of opioid settlement funds to cities and counties across the state, targeting overdose prevention, treatment, enforcement, and recovery initiatives.
“The drug overdose epidemic is a clear and present public health and public safety issue. Our partnership with law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Arkansas and beyond as part of the Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects the commitment of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to the health and safety of citizens, while encouraging the public remove expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications from their homes in order to prevent medication misuse. This also helps prevent opioid dependency or addiction,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr.
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Sheriff Woods emphasized that prescription drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyCotin), and fentanyl (Duragesic) are among the most commonly found in home medicine cabinets. These medications are also highly susceptible to diversion and misuse. By removing unused and expired medications from homes, law enforcement officials aim to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses, prevent theft, and limit opportunities for addiction within communities.
This year, Jefferson County residents can participate by bringing their medications to the collection site at Super 1 Foods, located at 2800 S. Hazel Street in Pine Bluff. While the program only accepts pills and patches, it does not accept liquids, needles, or other sharps. Participation is free and completely anonymous, with no questions asked. In addition to the one-day event, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office maintains three permanent prescription drug collection bins: one at the Sheriff’s Office at 410 E. 2nd Ave. in Pine Bluff, and two at Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy, located at 2302 W. 28th Ave. in Pine Bluff and 7240 Sheridan Rd. in White Hall.
Past Take-Back events have had a substantial impact. During the April 26, 2025 Arkansas Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, law enforcement partners across the state collected 28,794 pounds of prescription medications. These efforts, combined with previous Take-Back events nationwide dating back to 2010, have resulted in the removal of over 657,946 pounds—or nearly 329 tons—of drugs from circulation. These numbers reflect the public’s continued support for and reliance on these programs as a safe means to discard unwanted medications.
“More than half of people who misuse prescription medications obtain them from family and friends,” said Tri-County Drug Task Force Commander, Captain Yohance Brunson. “Disposing of unused medications is an easy, proactive way to safeguard our communities and foster a healthier future for all Arkansans.”
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership encourages residents to stay vigilant about their medications year-round. Monitoring, securing, and properly disposing of prescription drugs are essential steps to preventing misuse. ARORP also offers the ReviveAR app, a tool that provides guidance on safe disposal methods and additional resources related to the Arkansas Drug Take Back program. The partnership’s message is straightforward: “Be bold, stand together and commit to abating opioid misuse and addiction in Arkansas.”
The Take-Back initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic, which has affected thousands of families across the state. By collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, state officials, and public health organizations, ARORP aims to create a united front against prescription drug abuse. The program underscores the importance of community engagement in preventing misuse and protecting public safety.
Local officials note that events like Arkansas Drug Take-Back Day not only prevent accidental exposure and misuse but also foster a culture of accountability and responsibility among residents. For many families, home medicine cabinets contain medications that were once essential but are no longer needed. Without a proper disposal method, these drugs can become a source of danger, particularly to children, teenagers, or vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction.
As the state prepares for the upcoming Take-Back Day, authorities urge residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely remove unwanted medications from their homes. The Arkansas Drug Take Back program continues to grow in participation and impact each year, reflecting both the severity of the opioid crisis and the public’s desire to be part of the solution.
For more information on collection sites or permanent disposal bins, residents can visit https://ardrugtakeback.org/dispose-of-drugs/#dropoff or download the ReviveAR app. With initiatives like this, Arkansas communities are taking tangible steps to reduce opioid misuse, prevent overdoses, and protect the health and safety of citizens across the state.
By participating in events such as the October 25 Take-Back Day, Jefferson County residents are contributing to a statewide effort that combines enforcement, prevention, and public engagement. As law enforcement and local organizations continue to work together, programs like Arkansas Drug Take Back highlight the power of collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
