Kingsport implementing new medication take-back initiative
KINGSPORT – The Kingsport Police Departments Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit is pleased to announce a new prescription drug collection point in the lobby of the Justice Center located at 200 Shelby Street in Kingsport. Our medication take-back initiative has been named, Project: Drug Drop Zone.
The goals of this program are to keep drugs off the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, and avoid environmental contamination. Items that can be placed in our secure drug drop box include non-narcotics, narcotics, over the counter (OTC), herbals, and veterinary medications.
Items that should not be placed in the box include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs. The Kingsport Police Departments first attempt at collecting leftover, unwanted, or expired medication was held on September 25, 2010. At that extremely successful event, held offsite at Rhoten Allstate Agency, 179 pounds of medication were collected and destroyed.
With this new drug collection point in the lobby of the Justice Center, citizens can drop off their unwanted medication 24 hours a day at their convenience, rather than having to wait for a special event. All medications will be properly disposed of by the Kingsport Police Department. A photograph of the drug collection box as well as an informational flyer are attached to this press release.
For additional information or questions concerning Project: Drug Drop Zone, please contact the Kingsport Police Departments Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit at (423) 229-9433 or ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov