Tomball Community Comes Together to Safely Dispose of 148 Pounds of Medication at DEA Take Back Day
Tomball residents turned out in force last Saturday for the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, helping collect an impressive 148 pounds of unused, expired, and unwanted medications for secure disposal. Hosted locally at HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, the event was part of a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to combat the ongoing opioid crisis and reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse.
Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 25 at Entrance B of the hospital campus on Holderrieth Boulevard, the event featured a convenient drive-thru drop-off site. Participants were able to remain in their vehicles while safely and anonymously discarding medications no longer needed in their homes.
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball shared their appreciation on social media following the event: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s DEA National Prescription Take Back Day. Thanks to your commitment to keeping our community safe, we collected 148 pounds of expired, unused, and unwanted medications for secure and responsible disposal.”
The hospital also extended a heartfelt thank-you to the Tomball Police Department for their continued partnership, specifically recognizing Sergeant Stephen Clough and Corporal Derek Townsend II for overseeing the collection and handling process.
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DEA Take Back Day has become a critical public safety initiative since its inception in 2010, offering an easy, anonymous way for Americans to prevent prescription drugs from being misused or accidentally ingested. According to the DEA, over 20 million pounds of medications have been safely collected since the program began.
“Prescription drugs may be legal, but they are still powerful – and can present significant risk to those in your household,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a national statement promoting the initiative.
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole added, “This effort brings together law enforcement, public health, and communities in a unified mission – keeping homes safe, preventing the misuse of prescription drugs before it starts, and saving lives.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100,000 Americans die each year due to drug poisonings or overdoses. Many of these tragedies begin with medications found in the home. Events like Take Back Day aim to interrupt that cycle—starting in neighborhood medicine cabinets.
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Missed the Event? Year-Round Disposal Is Available
For those who missed Saturday’s event, there are still several safe options to dispose of medications in the Tomball area:
- Walgreens – 28426 State Highway 249, Tomball, TX 77375 (MAP)
- CVS Pharmacy – 24048 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375 (MAP)
Nearby in Magnolia, another option includes:
- CVS Pharmacy – 2180 Woodforest Parkway N., Montgomery, TX 77316 (MAP)
These authorized collection sites participate in year-round drug disposal programs, helping residents responsibly discard medications whenever it's convenient.
Residents can also locate nearby disposal sites anytime at dea.gov/takebackday, where the DEA provides an updated list of over 16,500 authorized collection sites across the country.
A Stronger, Safer Tomball
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball emphasized how community participation plays a vital role in building a safer future: “Your support helps prevent prescription drug misuse, reduces the risk of overdose, and promotes a healthier, safer Tomball. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer community.”
As the community continues to grow, events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offer an important reminder: proactive steps—however small—can save lives.
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.
