Bedford — Chief Robert Bongiorno is pleased to announce that the Bedford 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, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Bedford Police Station, 2 Mudge Way, Bedford MA 01730
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.
“We hope that this event offers a convenient option for residents looking to dispose of unwanted prescription medications, and that as a result we can reduce the amount of prescription medication in our community that is no longer needed, wanted or is expired,” Lt. James Graham said.
Lt. Graham oversees the Bedford Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day initiatives.
Bedford 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. A separate box is also available in the lobby for those looking to safely dispose of needles.
The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Bedford 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.
###