For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wakefield Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month

WAKEFIELD — Chief Rick Smith announces that the Wakefield Police Department, in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wakefield Police Station.

“Anything we can do as a community to prevent substance abuse is going to make a difference in the fight to end a growing epidemic,” Chief Smith said.  “This Drug Take Back event is a great opportunity to get those potentially dangerous prescriptions out of the house and we encourage any and all residents who wish to participate to come down to the police station, no questions asked.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that 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 can accept pills and patches but cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps.

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

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 unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Sept. 26 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of  Diversion Control site or contact the Wakefield Police Department at 781-245-1212.

###