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On April 22, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release, providing an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. Given the size of the data impacted, the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is expected to take several months. UnitedHealth Group believes this situation will impact “a substantial proportion of people in America” and is offering immediate credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. Visit Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or reach out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 regarding any questions.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2024

Date: 04/05/24

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe and easy way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

According to artakeback.org, Arkansas is #2 in the nation for over-prescribing opioid drugs. Since 2000, deaths involving opioids have increased by 200% in the U.S. Most of these drugs come from family and friends. They often come from a home medicine cabinet.

Unused medicines should be disposed of properly, as soon as possible. That's why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is again partnering with local law enforcement for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why Take Back Medicines?

Reduce Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the U.S. The abuse of these drugs by teens often causes medical emergencies or deadly overdoses. Most abusers get the drugs from a friend or family member — not from a drug dealer. A safe drug take-back program gets dangerous leftover drugs out of our homes.

Avoid Poisoning Accidents

Unwanted medicines left in the home endanger our children, seniors, and pets. Poisonings from prescription and over-the-counter medicines are rising. Getting rid of unwanted medicines at a take-back program makes your home safer.

Protect the Environment

The way we dispose of drugs can hurt our environment. Drugs thrown in the trash may be used by others and can come into contact with wildlife. Returning unused drugs to a take-back program is the only safe way to get rid of them.

What You Can Take Back

These items may be returned:

  • Prescriptions
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Vitamins
  • Pet medicines
  • Medicated ointments and lotions
  • Inhalers
  • Liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers (up to 12 ounces)
  • Medicine samples

These items may not be returned:

  • Needles, lancets, or syringes
  • Thermometers
  • Aerosol cans
  • Empty containers
  • Bloody or infectious waste
  • Personal care products like non-medicated shampoo
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Business waste

There are several drop-off locations for Drug Take Back Day. There are also more than 200 permanent drop box locations throughout the state every day. Most are available to securely dispose of medications 24/7.

Find a collection site near you.

For more information and resources, visit artakeback.org or deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/takeback.html.