By Congressman Markwayne Mullin
The opioid crisis is widespread in Oklahoma. In order to reduce the number of overdose deaths in our state, we have to work together to turn the tide. As part of my ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis in our community, I want to make you aware of one important opportunity where you can help.
Saturday, October 28, 2017, is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to get rid of your unused or expired prescription drugs. At several Oklahoma locations, agencies and police departments will be available to take back your unused or expired prescription drugs from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. To find the collection site nearest you, visit takebackday.dea.gov or visit a location listed below.
Prescription drugs are doled out at massive rates in our state. In 2012, Oklahoma dispensed 128 painkiller prescriptions per every 100 people. While every demographic group is affected by the opioid epidemic, tragically in Oklahoma middle-aged women have a higher rate of death from prescription drug overdose than any other group.
This means that the soccer mom taking her kids to practice, the up-and-coming executive, the school board member in the grocery store, the small business owner, the friendly neighbor who keeps an organized household, and the single mother who works full-time while raising two kids—they are the group hit hardest by the opioid crisis in Oklahoma.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day also gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the opioid crisis and the chance to educate our friends, family members, and neighbors about the harmful effects of opioid abuse. Take time to talk to your kids about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and always encourage safe disposal of unused medications.
While there may be no cure-all for the opioid epidemic, it’s our duty as members of our community to help those that we love. Coupled with corresponding efforts from our state and local communities, we can change the direction of the opioid crisis. It’s our turn to take care of our moms, our neighbors, our friends, and our coworkers who always take care of us. I hope you’ll join me this Take Back Day as we take another step forward in our work to combat the opioid crisis in Oklahoma.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Locations in OK-2
BIA-OJS Miami Agency Office
34 A Street
Miami, OK 74355
Miami Nation Tribal Police
Tribal Complex
3401 P. Street
Miami, OK 74355
Cherokee Nation Marshal Service
22114 S. Bald Hill Rd.
Tahlequah, OK 74465
Northeastern State University Police
University Center
612 N. Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK 74464
Choctaw Nation Tribal Police
Choctaw Nation Health Service Authority
One Choctaw Way
Talihina, OK 74571
Eastern Shawnee Tribal Police
Eastern Shawnee Police Dept
10250 S. 695 Rd.
Wyandotte, OK 74370
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Wyandotte Tribal Police Dept
64700 E. Hwy 60
Wyandotte, OK 74370
