Christopher Delmonte, Chief of Police
220 Pleasant St.
Bridgewater, MA 02324
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bridgewater Police to Host Drug Take Back Day This Weekend
Bridgewater — Chief Christopher Delmonte is pleased to announce that the Bridgewater Police Department, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police station.
“We welcome the opportunity to participate in National Drug Take Back Day as a way to help residents defend against potential opioid diversion, theft or abuse,” Chief Delmonte said. “Any unwanted or unused prescription medications can be disposed of here anonymously.”
National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted, or unused, prescription drugs. Syringes, needles and liquids cannot be accepted.
The Bridgewater Police also have a permanent take back box in the police station lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. In its 12 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have collected over 7.1 million pounds — more than 3,500 tons — of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their previous methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — pose potential environmental, safety, and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact the Bridgewater Police Department at 508-697-6118.
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