For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017

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

East Bridgewater Police Host Successful Drug Take Back Day

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Scott Allen is pleased to announce that the East Bridgewater Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), collected 135 pounds of prescription medications during National Drug Take Back Day last month.

Residents turned in their unwanted and expired medications to the East Bridgewater Police Department on Oct. 28, which were then turned over to the DEA for proper disposal. The department also has a drop box for prescriptions in the station lobby, where residents can anonymously discard unwanted or potentially harmful drugs and substances.

“We are proud of the East Bridgewater community for making this Drug Take Back Day yet another successful event, aimed at preventing prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands,” Chief Allen said. “We are pleased that so many people took advantage of this event and hope they will continue to do so through future Drug Take Back Days and through the kiosk in our station lobby.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and police departments. The event 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 accepted pills and patches, but does not take liquids, needles, or sharps.

During its 14th Take Back Day on Oct. 28, the DEA, and more than 4,200 of its national, tribal and community law enforcement partners collected 912,305 pounds (about 456 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at more than 5,300 collection sites — nearly six tons more than was collected at last spring’s Take Back Day. Since the program began seven years ago, about 9 million pounds (more than 4,500 tons) of prescription drugs have been collected.

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 of unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

Residents who were unable to attend the National Drug Take Back Day can also drop off their prescription drugs at the East Bridgewater Police Department’s drug drop-off box in the station lobby, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website or contact East Bridgewater Police at 508-378-7223.

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