MELROSE— Chief Michael Lyle is pleased to announce that the Melrose Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day later this month.
WHEN:
Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Melrose Police Department, 56 W. Foster St.
WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.
“By providing our community annual opportunities to properly dispose of unwanted prescription medications, we’re able to help ensure those drugs aren’t being stored in homes where they could fall into the hands of someone struggling with substance use,” Chief Lyle said. “We’re proud to take part in National Drug Take Back Day twice a year because it makes a profound difference as communities nationwide continue to fight against the opioid epidemic. We encourage everyone to join us later this month.”
According to the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration’s report on the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 3.6% of the population in the United States misused pain relievers in 2018 and of those, more than half had obtained those medications from a friend or relative.
“I congratulate the Melrose Police Department for again taking the lead on this important public safety program,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “By providing this collection site, the Department is providing residents with a safe and secure way to dispose of unneeded or expired medications and eliminating the risk they will be misued.”
The Melrose Police Department wishes to remind residents that they may also dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs at the drug disposal kiosk located in the Melrose Police Station lobby on W. Foster Street. The kiosk is open 24/7. Residents should note that no liquids, needles, sharps, or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk.
The community is also reminded that cloth face coverings will be required, except for those under the age of two or with certain medical conditions, at both the Melrose Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
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