National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored here by the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition, resulted in the recovery of 29 pounds of unused prescription drugs Saturday. "We took back 29 pounds of drugs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.," said Prevention Coalition Vice President Norene Puckett. "It was very successful."

Authorities would like to stress, however, that while National Drug Take Back Day is held once a year, unwanted drugs may be disposed of at any time at the permanent drop off box inside Smithville City Hall.

"The box is here year-round, and all you have to do is come in and drop the medications into it." Captain Steven Leffew of the Smithville Police Department told the Review. "We would like to encourage everyone to use it."

Puckett said the unused medications can’t be taken at the local hospital. "Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital cannot accept any medication to be disposed of. The unwanted medications should be brought to the box at the police department," she informed.

Puckett also urged interested citizens to attend a prevention coalition meeting. "The DeKalb Prevention Coalition welcomes any citizens to join. The coalition meets the last Tuesday every month at Haven of Hope, starting at noon, and we encourage anyone to join," she said.