Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net
West Newbury Police Host Successful Drug Take Back Day
WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed is pleased to report that the West Newbury Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), collected 20 pounds of prescription medications during National Drug Take Back Day last month.
Residents turned in their unwanted and expired medications to the West Newbury Police Department on Oct. 28, which were then turned over to the DEA for proper disposal. The department also has a drop box for prescriptions in the station lobby, where residents can anonymously discard unwanted or potentially harmful drugs and substances.
“It is so important for residents to ensure that these potentially dangerous substances are out of the house and don’t end up in the wrong hands,” Chief Reed said. “We are pleased to have had another successful Drug Take Back Day and hope that residents will continue to properly discard any unwanted prescriptions through the kiosk in our station lobby.”
National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and police departments. The event gives the public an opportunity to prevent substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs in their possession. The DEA accepted pills and patches, but does not take liquids, needles, or sharps.
During its 14th Take Back Day on Oct. 28, the DEA, and more than 4,200 of its national, tribal and community law enforcement partners collected 912,305 pounds (about 456 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at more than 5,300 collection sites — nearly six tons more than was collected at last spring’s Take Back Day. Since the program began seven years ago, about 9 million pounds (more than 4,500 tons) of prescription drugs have been collected.
This initiative addresses a vital public health issue. Easily accessible, unused prescriptions in homes are highly susceptible to abuse and misuse. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Residents are advised to avoid disposing of unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.
Residents who were unable to attend the National Drug Take Back Day can also drop off their prescription drugs at the West Newbury Police Department’s drug drop-off box in the station lobby, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website or contact West Newbury Police at 978-363-1213.
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