Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985
For Immediate Release
Monday, April 24, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net
West Newbury Police Department to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day
WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed announces that the West Newbury Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
On Saturday, April 29, working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the West Newbury Police Department will be accepting expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs at the police station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-offs are free and will remain anonymous. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.
“We’re encouraging residents to take advantage of this free event to safely remove unused and unwanted drugs from their homes,” Chief Reed said. “Our goal is to prevent these potentially dangerous drugs from getting into the wrong hands.”
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous take back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds – more than 3,500 tons – of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their previous methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — pose potential environmental, safety and health hazards.
Those who cannot make this weekend’s drug take back event can utlizie the West Newbury Police Department’s drug drop box, which is located in the station lobby. It provides 24-hour access to local residents who need to dispose of over-the-counter drugs, unneeded prescriptions, medication samples and unused pills.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the April 29 event, visit the DEA website or contact the West Newbury Police Department at 978-363-1212.
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