CHRISTUS Health launches drug take-back programs in multiple East Texas communities

Unused and out-of-date prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication can now be safely disposed of at CHRISTUS Health locations in East Texas, thanks to a new drug take-back program.

Located at the emergency centers at CHRISTUS Health in Athens, Canton and Lindale, the collection receptacles allow for safe disposal of drugs, no questions asked.

“Providing a secure medication disposal option in our emergency centers allows us to address substance misuse proactively while offering a convenient, judgment-free solution for our patients and visitors,” said Katrina Johnson, pharmacy director at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “Safe medication disposal is a critical step in preventing harm and protecting families in our community.”

Safe disposal also prevents unwanted medications from entering landfills, where they can leach into soil and water systems, helping protect our environment and community, Johnson added.

Some items won’t be accepted, such as inhalers, syringes and needles. As a reminder, drugs should never be flushed down the toilet.

Unused medications in homes contribute to drug abuse in millions of households. Easy access to these drugs has helped fuel the opioid crisis in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, on average, one American dies from a drug overdose every five minutes.

In partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency, CHRISTUS Health now has six drug-take-back locations in East Texas:

• CHRISTUS Health Athens: 1509 State HWY 19 S., Athens
• CHRISTUS Health Canton: 18780 Interstate 20, Canton
• CHRISTUS Health Lindale: 3203 S. Main St., Lindale
• CHRISTUS Health South Tyler: 8389 S. Broadway, Tyler
• CHRISTUS Health Sulphur Springs: 115 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs
• CHRISTUS Health Winnsboro: 719 W. Coke Road, Winnsboro

Plans are currently underway to install take-back boxes at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler and CHRISTUS Health in Jacksonville.

You can find the nearest take-back box by using the DEA search tool at www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day.