Politics & Government
Reps. Poirier, Barrows and Winslow Announce Prescription Drug Take Back Day
BOSTON, MA – Representatives Elizabeth “Betty” Poirier (R)-North Attleboro, Jay Barrows (R)-Mansfield and Dan Winslow (R)-Norfolk announced that Massachusetts residents will be able to properly and safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs at more than 200 drop-off sites statewide on October 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The Take Back program, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with local police departments, municipal offices, and medical facilities, was started last year in response to the growing need to provide safe ways for people to dispose of their prescription medications. So far, more than 305 tons of prescription drugs have been turned in nationwide at Take Back days held last fall and this past spring. The service is free and anonymous; drugs can be turned in with no questions asked.
Local residents can drop off these unused prescription medications at: North Attleboro Police Dept., 102 South Washington Street, North Attleboro, Plainville Police Department, 157 South Street, Plainville and Foxboro Police (Foxboro Public Safety Building), 8 Chestnut Street, Foxboro.
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A full list of drop-off sites in Massachusetts may be accessed through the event’s website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html
“More people need to recognize the high street demand for some of the popular prescription medications out there, such as painkillers, anti-anxiety medication, or sleeping aids,” said Rep. Poirier. “If these drugs are no longer needed, then this Take Back Day is a great opportunity to dispose of them safely and properly.”
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“Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The most commonly reported source of these drugs aren’t drug dealers, but home medicine cabinets, stated Rep. Barrows. “It is our hope that people with leftover medications will take advantage of this free service, and reduce the public health and safety risks associated with improper storage and disposal of prescription drugs.”
"I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce the risk of harm from stray prescription medications in the trash or in storage at home,” said Rep. Winslow.
