NORTH READING — Chief Michael Murphy announces that North Reading Police’s Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Prevention Coalition will be participating in National Drug Take Back Day in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) once again this weekend.
WHEN:
Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE:
O’Leary Senior Center, Front Parking Lot, 157 Park St.
WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, anonymous, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance misuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills, patches, liquids or sharps.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, residents are required to wear masks and remain in their vehicles. There will be signs and officers directing vehicles.
The Community Impact Team is offering free drug deactivation bags to anyone unable to attend the event. These sealable bags contain chemicals that are able to render pills, patches and liquid medications inactive. Sealable bags can be disposed of safely in the trash.
Deactivation bags can be delivered to residents’ homes, as well as to all Meals on Wheels clients in partnership with the O’Leary Senior Center. They also are available for pick-up at the Food Pantry. To request delivery, please contact Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northreadingma.gov or 978-357-5054.
“Flushing drugs down the toilet causes damage to the environment and water systems. We want to make sure these drugs are getting out of homes safely,” Director Luckiewicz said. “The sealable bags are a great solution for people who cannot get to the Take Back Day event.”
Additionally, North Reading Police 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 inhalers cannot be dropped off at the kiosk.
“Last April, we held a similar drive-thru event that yielded 220 pounds of unused drugs. Everyone stayed in their cars and it went smoothly,” said Chief Murphy. “We encourage residents to stop by on Saturday to help reduce the amount of accessible drugs in the community. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please consider taking advantage of the deactivation bags and remember that our permanent drug drop-off kiosk is available 24/7 in our lobby.”
Over the past several years, the department has collected 1,932 pounds of unused drugs through National Drug Take Back events and their permanent take back box.
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