COVINGTON, LA – Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry today joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA), the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI), and numerous law enforcement agencies in announcing a collaborative effort in Louisiana’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

Through a partnership with BCBSLA and NADDI, the Louisiana Department of Justice (LADOJ) is providing drug take back boxes to sheriff’s offices and police departments across the State. These boxes will serve as resources for those looking to properly dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

“We are committed to fighting the opioid epidemic that is crippling our State,” said Attorney General Landry. “Too many in Louisiana have lost family members and friends at the hands of this crisis; and I hope this attempt to get rid of unused prescriptions can and will save lives.”

This new initiative by Attorney General Landry compliments other efforts by his office to fight back against the rising epidemic. The LADOJ, though a legal settlement with Pfizer, provides law enforcement agencies and fire departments with vials of Naloxone to help save lives in the event of overdoses. They are also in partnership with the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance and Amphastar on an educational campaign, www.EndTheEpidemicLA.org, offering resources and information to those who may be struggling with opioid abuse or know someone who is.

Today’s announcement of locations is the first of many to be made between now and the end of the year. Attorney General Landry will travel to each region of the State to join with local leaders in informing the public of more drug take back box locations. By the end of October, the Northshore locations will be:

·         St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Complex

o   2070 Collins Blvd., Covington, LA 70433

·         St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Administrative Building

o   300 Brownswitch Rd., Slidell, LA 70458

·         Hammond Police Department

o   120 South Oak St., Hammond, LA 70404

·         Slidell Police Department

o   2112 Sgt. Alfred Dr., Slidell, LA 70458

·         Covington Police Department

o   609 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433

·         Mandeville Police Department

o   1870 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, LA 70448

“We are proud to partner with Attorney General Landry and law enforcement agencies across the state to expand access to safe drug disposal boxes,” said Michael Tipton, head of Community Relations for BCBSLA and president of the Blue Cross Foundation. “Blue Cross’ mission is to improve the health and lives of Louisianians; and as such, we recognize the importance of giving people a secure, anonymous way to get rid of their unused prescription medications. This prevents these drugs from falling into the wrong hands and lowers the risks of addiction, overdose and death.”

“We all have unused and expired prescription medication in our homes,” said St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith. “Now, thanks to Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, and the cooperation of agencies like the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, residents have a solution to dispose of these medications properly and safely to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”

“In society today, with the ease of obtaining prescription medication, the drug world has expanded and overdose deaths from prescription medication are sadly on par with the traditional illegal substances.” said Hammond Police Chief James Stewart. “This is an anonymous program for those who simply want to rid themselves and their homes of harmful drugs; and we are proud to join in this partnership.”

“I am grateful for the partnerships with our local law enforcement leaders,” said Attorney General Landry. “We will continue working to find new and effective ways to combat back against opioid abuse, misuse, and addiction.”

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