Katy ISD Police Support Safer Communities with Successful Drug Take Back Day Collection
Continuing their commitment to public safety, the Katy Independent School District Police Department collected 18 boxes of unused and expired medications today as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The initiative, hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), offers communities a secure way to dispose of unwanted prescriptions, helping prevent drug misuse and accidental poisoning.
Residents were invited to safely dispose of medications at two convenient locations: the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center and the police department’s substation on Falcon Landing. The event saw steady participation from the community, demonstrating a collective effort toward a safer environment.
“Our commitment to the school district includes our larger responsibility to keep our community safe, as well, in all the ways we can,” said David Rider, chief of the Katy ISD Police Department. “Spending just a few minutes each, the individuals who turned in medication today collectively helped us achieve that goal.”
The department's success today follows a strong turnout in October 2024, when Katy ISD Police collected 21 boxes of medications from more than 100 community members. The consistency in community engagement highlights the importance residents place on safe disposal of prescription drugs.
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What is Drug Take Back Day?
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was launched by the DEA to address a critical public safety and health issue: the misuse of prescription drugs. Unused or expired medications often languish in home medicine cabinets, becoming easy targets for accidental ingestion, theft, or abuse.
Since its inception, the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day initiative has collected over 17 million pounds of medications nationwide. The program provides a simple, anonymous way for individuals to dispose of their prescriptions responsibly, reducing the risk of drug addiction and environmental contamination.
Why Initiatives Like This Matter
Proper disposal of prescription drugs is vital for several reasons. It prevents medications from being flushed into the water supply or thrown into landfills, where they can harm the environment. Just as importantly, it reduces the chances of drugs being misused by teenagers, children, or others who may encounter them at home.
Community-driven programs like Drug Take Back Day empower individuals to take an active role in preventing substance misuse. Events like the one held by Katy ISD Police make it easier for residents to do their part in safeguarding their neighborhoods.
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If you missed today's event or would like to find another collection site, you can visit dea.gov/takebackday to safely dispose of medications year-round.
By participating in events like Drug Take Back Day, Katy ISD Police and community members alike are taking meaningful steps toward a safer, healthier future.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
