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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 18, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

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

STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre announces that the Stoneham 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 Stoneham Police Department, located at 47 Central St..

“I am encouraging anyone who has unused prescription drugs in their home to attend this event and dispose of them properly,” Chief McIntyre said. “We are proud to be hosting this Take Back Day to give our community the opportunity to take an important step in battling substance abuse.”

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 Stoneham 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 Stoneham Police at 781-438-1215.

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