ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath is pleased to announce that the Rockport Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Rockport Police Department Lobby, 168 Main Street, Rockport
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.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
“The Rockport Police Department encourages all residents to attend this no-questions-asked event and dispose of any unwanted or unused prescriptions,” Chief Horvath said. “Removing these drugs from the home is an important step to reduce the risk of substance use, as we know unfortunately the home medicine cabinet is often where someone struggling accesses these medications.”
Rockport 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.
Residents should note that no liquids, needles, sharps or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk.
The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Rockport Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk during 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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