LAS CRUCES – Residents across Las Cruces and Doña Ana County will have an opportunity this weekend to safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The nationwide event, coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, provides a free and anonymous way for the public to remove potentially dangerous medications from their homes. Officials say the effort helps reduce the risk of accidental poisonings, misuse, and environmental harm caused by improper disposal of prescription drugs. (Campus Drug Prevention)
Local organizers, including the Las Cruces Police Department and community partners, encourage residents to bring prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill, tablet, patch, or other solid forms. Liquids may also be accepted if they remain sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps, and illegal substances will not be accepted at collection sites. (The City of Las Cruces)
Multiple drop-off locations will be available throughout Las Cruces and surrounding communities during the four-hour event window.
Local National Drug Take Back Day collection sites include:
- Sam’s Club — 2711 N. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces
- Walmart Neighborhood Market — 150 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., Las Cruces
- Walmart Supercenter — 1550 S. Valley Dr., Las Cruces
- Walgreens — 3100 N. Main St., Las Cruces
- Mesilla Town Hall — 2231 Avenida de Mesilla, Mesilla
- Anthony Public Library — 750 Landers Rd., Anthony
- White Sands Missile Range — 465 Dyer St., White Sands Missile Range
- Sunland Park Police Department — 1000 McNutt Rd., Sunland Park (The City of Las Cruces)
Health and safety officials stress that unused medications left in homes can become a source of abuse or accidental ingestion, particularly among children and teens. They also note that flushing medications or throwing them in the trash can contaminate water systems and pose environmental hazards. (The City of Las Cruces)
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is held twice each year, typically in April and October, with thousands of collection sites participating nationwide. Since the program began, millions of pounds of medications have been safely removed from circulation. (Campus Drug Prevention)
Residents can find additional collection locations or year-round disposal options by visiting the DEA’s official Take Back Day website.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications LLC
john@bravomic.com