Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044
For Immediate Release
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net
Stoneham Police Hosts Drug Take Back Event
STONEHAM – Chief James McIntyre is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department hosted a successful drug take back event last week, and encourages residents to partake in National Drug Take Back Day later this month.
On April 7, the Stoneham Police Department worked in collaboration with the Stoneham Council on Aging and Board of Health to host a drug take back event at the Senior Center. Students from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy also assisted at the event.
Bottom row from left to right: Jean Reynolds, Alena Sordello, Anna Shields, and Virginia Powers.
The event promoted addiction awareness in the community and a chance for residents to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired or unwanted prescription medications. Clients at the Senior Center who do not have transportation to the police station, where there is a MedReturn kiosk, were also able to safely dispose of medications at the event.
“We had a successful event and we hope that more residents will come out and take part in the nationwide drug take back later this month,” Chief McIntyre said. “Drug take back events provide awareness to the general public about the current opioid crisis, while giving the opportunity for residents to properly and anonymously dispose of their unused medications.”
Medications that are left in cabinets at home are highly susceptible to misuse or abuse. The rates of prescription drug use are increasing, along with the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Stoneham Police will also be participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stoneham Police Department, and encourage residents who still have unwanted medications at home to take advantage of this event.
Chief McIntyre would like to remind resides that a there is a drop-off kiosk in the lobby of the police station that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for residents to dispose of unused prescription medications.
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