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

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015

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

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

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

ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe announces that the Andover Police Department, in conjunction with the 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 West Elementary School, 58 Beacon St., Andover.

“The Andover Police Department is proud to support National Drug Take Back Day every year,” Chief Keefe said. “I encourage all residents to stop by the West Elementary School on the 26th to ensure that their unwanted and unused medications never end up in the wrong hands.”

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 will accept pills and patches but cannot take 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.

Residents can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Andover Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the station’s lobby.

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 Andover Police at 978-475-0411.

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