For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015

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

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

BEDFORD– Chief Robert Bongiorno announces that the Bedford 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 Bedford Police Station.

“This event is a great way for our community to get involved in the battle against substance abuse,” Chief Bongiorno said. “I would encourage anyone who has unused prescriptions or medications in their home to take this opportunity to properly dispose of them. Many of these substances have the potential to be very dangerous and removing them from the house eliminates that risk.”

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 Bedford 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 the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212.

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