For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

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

Groveland Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day This Month

GROVELAND — Chief Robert Kirmelewicz announces that the Groveland 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 Groveland Police Station.

“We are proud that the Groveland Police Department is participating in this Take Back Day again this year,” Chief Kirmelewicz said. “This event is an opportunity to contribute to the fight against substance abuse by removing any unused prescriptions from your home. These medications can be extremely dangerous if they get into the wrong hands, so I would encourage anyone who has prescriptions that need to be thrown away to participate.”

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 Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

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