“On behalf of “Drug Free Tipton”, I would like to express appreciation to the Atoka Police Department and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office for taking this important step in trying to curb the problem of prescription drug abuse, while also simultaneously helping the environment. Abuse of prescription drugs is a major public health problem in Tipton County.  Studies show that a majority (70%) of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet” according to Coordinator Robin Racine.

The locations were chosen due to the secure locations and the respective agencies will monitor and maintain the collection of any items in the drop boxes for prompt disposal. To join in on the “Pitch Your Pills” campaign just bring your expired or unwanted medication, inhalers or bottles to the two drop locations Monday through Friday. These are some of the Dos and Don’ts:

Do – Lock up your medications and keep them away from children and teens

Do – Bring unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medication to one of the locations for proper disposal

Don’t – Flush your medication down the toilet.  It is a danger to the environment.

Don’t - Bring needles or other “sharp” objects. They can’t be accepted.

The drop box locations are:  The Atoka Police Department located at 139 Wesley Reed Drive in Atoka between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM and the Criminal Justice Complex (front foyer) located at 1801 South College Street in Covington between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

“It is a great service to provide for the citizens of all of our communities.  Instead of having two opportunities throughout the year, citizens can now utilize the permanent drop boxes 5 days a week.”  Atoka Police Department Chief Jessie Poole

“We are grateful for “Drug Free Tipton” to provide the permanent drop box for the Criminal Justice Complex.  The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office will continue to support the efforts of “Drug Free Tipton” to educate our community on the dangers of prescription drug abuse. We were glad to provide a location where citizens can properly dispose of these medications throughout the year. I want to challenge everyone to “Pitch Your Pills!” Said Tipton County Sheriff J.T. “Pancho” Chumley.

If you have questions, please contact the Atoka Police Department at 901.837.5302 or the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office at 901.475.3300 during regular business hours Monday through Friday. For more information on the Drug Free Tipton “Pitch Your Pills” Campaign contact Coordinator Robin Racine at 901.313.1115 or visit the website at www.drugfreetipton.org.