Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Stoneham Police Dispose of More Than 180 Pounds of Drugs Following Take Back Day
STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), disposed of 187 pounds of prescription medications following National Drug Take Back Day last month.
The prescription medications were collected thorough the police department’s unwanted medication kiosk , located in the lobby of the station. On Oct. 28, the medications were then turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.
“I’m incredibly pleased by the success we had on Take Back Day, and I’m grateful for the continued enthusiasm Stoneham residents have shown in supporting our drug collection efforts,” Chief McIntyre said. “I hope that they will continue to take advantage of our ongoing drug return program throughout the year, and I am looking forward to another strong turnout for the next take back event in the spring.”
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 Stoneham Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk in the police 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 Stoneham Police at 781-438-1215.
###