West Newbury Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

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

West Newbury Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Lisa Holmes announces that the West Newbury 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 West Newbury Public Safety Complex, 401 Main St.

“The West Newbury Police Department is proud to support the National Drug Take Back Day event this year,” Chief Holmes said. “Anyone who has unused prescriptions at home is strongly encouraged to dispose of them at this event to ensure these medications don’t 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.

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 West Newbury Police at 978-363-1212.

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