Baton Rouge community rallies for safer homes during National Drug Take Back Day

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Keeping old medications out of the wrong hands was the mission for authorities in Baton Rouge.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) joined forces with local leaders for National Drug Take Back Day, an event aimed at promoting safer homes and a healthier community.

Families across the area participated by clearing out their medicine cabinets and safely disposing of unused or expired medications.

“Drive up, drop it off, and keep going,” said community member Colleen Cross.

For Cross, the event was personal.

“I’ve got grandkids at the house, and I don’t want them to have access to anything that could hurt them,” she said.

According to the DEA, Drug Take Back Day provides a critical opportunity for the public to get rid of potentially dangerous prescriptions in a safe, anonymous way.

“The DEA wants to provide an opportunity for anyone to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired drugs safely, because this is the safest way to rid them from any household,” said Steven Hofert with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

In 2024 alone, the DEA collected over 6,000 pounds of medication. With thousands of collection sites across the country, this year’s Take Back Day aimed to be just as impactful.

Officials stress that drug overdose remains one of the greatest threats facing communities nationwide.

“Drug overdose is still one of the greatest threats that we have all across the country in every single community,” Hofert emphasized.

Proper disposal not only keeps homes safer but also helps protect the environment. Flushing or tossing medications can contaminate water systems, making safe disposal even more important.

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