For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 18, 2015

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

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

Rockport Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day This Month

ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath announces that the Rockport 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 Rockport Police Station, located at 168 Main St..

“The Rockport Police Department is proud to be supporting the fight against substance abuse by hosting a Drug Take Back event,” Chief Horvath said. “We are encouraging all residents who have unused prescription medications at home to come dispose of them properly at the police station during this event. Keeping these potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands could be saving a life.”

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 Rockport Police Department at 978-546-1212.

###