Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net
Stoneham Police Take 182 Pounds of Drugs off Streets on National Drug Take Back Day
STONEHAM — Police Chief James McIntyre is pleased to announce that the Stoneham Police Department took back a total of 182 pounds of prescription drugs as a result of multiple “take back days,” including last weekend’s National Drug Take Back Day on April 30.
The 182 pounds of drugs, which get turned into the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), were a combination of medications collected from the Stoneham Police Department’s lobby drop box and three take back events that the department has hosted since last fall.
“I am pleased with the success of our drug take back programs so far,” said Chief McIntyre. “This is one more way the Stoneham Police Department serves as a resource to the community and helps break the stigma of addiction.”
National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and police departments. The designated day 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 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 missed the National Drug Take Back Day can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Stoneham Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk, 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 Stoneham Police at 781-438-1215.
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