For Immediate Release
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Joint Press Release* West Newbury Police Work with Whittier High School to Create New Drug Drop-Off Box
WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed and Maureen Lynch, Superintendent of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, are pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department worked with students to create a new prescription drug drop-off box.
The drop box provides 24-hour access to local residents who need to dispose of over-the-counter drugs, unneeded prescriptions, medication samples and unused pills.
Whittier students in grades 10-12 who are in the metal fabrication shop spent three weeks building the box. Chief Reed and Officer Michael Dwyer coordinated with instructor Stephen Palmer to create a piece made of sheet metal that stands at 4 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet and 2 1/2 feet deep.
“This drop-off box was customized to fit the town’s needs,” Chief Reed said. “I’m pleased that the West Newbury Police Department was able to collaborate with Whittier. These types of partnerships are key to the success of any community. Thank you to Stephen and his students for their dedication to this project.”
The new box will also allow the West Newbury Police Department to double the amount of prescription drugs that can be deposited. In the last year, the department has collected approximately 50 pounds of unused and unwanted medications.
“Students always really enjoy the opportunity to work on these specialized, creative projects,” Superintendent Lynch said. “They’re proud of their accomplishments and we always appreciate community collaborations. It’s great that their work will be displayed outside the classroom and will have a positive effect on residents.”
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