While prescription drug abuse has declined slightly on a national scale - Arkansas officials say they're working to expand efforts improve public awareness of the danger of addiction and death that can result from such addictions.
Arkansas Drug Director Fran Flener says an important element in reducing the potential for abuse is to cut into the supply of available prescription drugs through drug takeback efforts.
Takeback events are regularly held around the state and the state Health Department has purchased 60 secure drop boxes that can provide residents with a way to dispose of unneeded prescription drugs at their convenience.
Flener says Arkansans have turned over more than 32 tons of pills and that education efforts among school-age children are showing signs of succeeding.