The first of two annual Drug Takeback Events takes place this weekend.

The Drug Enforcement Agency coordinates the event nationally with other organizations taking the lead locally. In Stone and Taney Counties, the Taney County Adapt Coalition is coordinating the spring event which takes place this Saturday. 

During a recent interview on KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program, coalition representatives Marietta Hagan and Tiffany Setchfield talked about the locations for this year's event, which include both Walgreen's locations in Branson and Hollister as well as Lakeland Pharmacy in Branson between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Meanwhile in Stone County, the event will take place in conjunction with the Heart Health and Recovery Walk put together by the Stone County Community Health Coalition at the Port of Kimberling Marina and Resort Saturday from 9:00 am until Noon. The Kimberling City Police Department will be manning the drug take back drop-off location. 

Hagan and Setchfield also reminded residence that many police departments and other location have a year-round drop off for unused prescriptions and that this event is made for an awareness of the dangers of keeping unused prescription medications. Those hazards include the drugs being used illegally or the side-effects of people using expired drugs as well as the dangers to the environment of disposing of drugs improperly. Many sites will also have home disposal kits to giveaway. 

The complete interview from Ozarks Now can be heard below along with some of the other collection spots in the region which can also be found on the DEA Website.

Area Locations from DEA Website as of 4/23:
Missouri
Branson: Walgreens Pharmacy, Lakeland Pharmacy
Hollister: Walgreens Pharmacy
Kimberling City: Port of Kimberling/Heart Health Recovery Walk (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
Nixa: Alps Pharmacy
Ozark: The OC
Sparta: Phillips Pharmacy
Aurora: Wal-Mart
Monett: Police Department

Arkansas
Harrison: Police Department, Boone County Sheriff's Office
Berryville: Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Eureka Springs: Police Department
Jasper: Newton County Sheriff's Office
Marshall: Searcy County Sheriff's Office
Yellville: Marion County Sheriff's Office
Huntsville: Madison County Sheriff's Office, Wal-Mart