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

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Contact: Captain Keith Houghton
Phone: 617-828-5722
Email: KHoughton@chelseama.gov

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

CHELSEA — Chief Brian Kyes announces that the Chelsea 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 the Chelsea Police Department, located at 19 Park St..

“The Chelsea Police Department is proud to be hosting a Drug Take Back Day at our station this year,” Chief Kyes said. “Any resident who has unused prescription drugs at home is encouraged to take advantage of this free and anonymous event, and properly dispose of these potentially dangerous substances.”

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 Chelsea Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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 Chelsea Police at 617-466-4855.

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