It’s that time of year again when the Biloxi Police Department teams up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to offer the public a chance to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs, which often become sources of abuse.
The two agencies will offer another free drug take-back session at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center on Porter Avenue, two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse, on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested can drop off any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs in this free, anonymous, no-questions-asked service.
No liquids, needles, or sharps can be accepted, only pills, patches, or other solid forms of prescription drugs. Also, vaping devices and cartridges will be accepted provided the lithium batteries are removed.
The last National Drug Takeback campaign took place in April at the public safety center where more than 235 pounds were collected. Overall, Americans turned in 332 tons (more than 663,000 pounds) of medications at nearly 5,000 sites operated by the DEA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that prescription opioids were involved in more than 107,000 overdose deaths last year.
These staggering statistics further emphasize the need for these continued Take Back efforts where the Biloxi Police Department, DEA, and other local partners provide locations where the public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications.
Learn more from the DEA website
News & notes: Weekly report, Halloween, and more
The week that was: Weekly reports from the departments of Police, Fire, Community Development, Public Works and Engineering are now online for your review. To see the report from last week and an archive of weekly reports, click here.
City council meeting: The Biloxi City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting today at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi City Hall, 140 Lameuse St. Topics to be discussed include the proposed events ordinances. To see the agenda and supporting documents, click here. The meeting will also be streamed live. Just click on the LIVE tab at the top of the city’s website, biloxi.ms.us, during the meeting.
Senior Halloween: Adults ages 55 and older are invited to attend the annual Senior Halloween Spectacular on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave. The event includes stage performances, vendor booths, a costume contest, door prizes, dancing, and lunch served at noon. Murder Mystery Show theme. Details: 228-392-9988
Special Needs Halloween: The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its annual Special Needs Halloween Dance & Costume Ball, on Friday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Donal Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. The event, open to all ages with physical and mental disabilities, includes a costume contest, music, and food. Security will be provided. To see the flyer, click here.
Housing and hurricane repair: The Mississippi Center for Justice and Back Bay Mission are hosting a presentation for Biloxi residents regarding fair housing and the Zeta Roof Program on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will take place at Back Bay Mission on Division Street. To see the flyer, click here.
