For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater Police to Host Drug Take Back Day This Weekend

East Bridgewater — Chief Scott Allen announces that the East Bridgewater Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall.

“The East Bridgewater Police Department is an enthusiastic participant in National Drug Take Back Day,” Chief Allen said. “This is an excellent chance for us to get these drugs, which can be extremely dangerous if used improperly, out of circulation. I hope that all residents who have unwanted or unneeded prescriptions in their home will turn them in, since doing so is an easy way to to keep these drugs from falling into the wrong hands.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted, or unused, prescription drugs.

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. In its 12 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have collected over 7.1 million pounds — more than 3,500 tons — of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their previous methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash —  pose potential environmental, safety, and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact the East Bridgewater Police Department at 508-378-7223.

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