NORTH READING 一 Chief Michael Murphy announces that the North Reading Police Department and the Community Impact Team’s Youth Prevention Coalition will be participating in National Drug Take Back Day in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
When:
Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where:
O’Leary Senior Center, Front Parking Lot, 157 Park St.
What:
The North Reading Police Department will be collecting unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs as part National Drug Take Back Day, 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. Pet medication will also be accepted.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2020 an estimated 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 5.1 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 6.2 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
Since May 2017, North Reading Police have collected 2,423 pounds of unused drugs. The service is free and anonymous.
Signs will direct cars to enter one way. Residents will be able to remain in their vehicles as they drop their unused medications directly into bins and exit as directed under the guidance of North Reading Police Officers.
“We are pleased to offer this event for our community and we encourage residents to stop by,” said Chief Murphy. “Providing a safe location to dispose of these unwanted or unused prescriptions reduces the risk of substance misuse within our community and can help save lives.”
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. The permanent take back box is available 24/7, no appointment necessary.
Additionally, the Community Impact Team is offering free drug deactivation bags. These bags contain chemicals to render drugs inactive and are suitable for pills, patches, and liquid medications. The sealable bags can then be disposed of safely in the trash. Flushing medications can create a negative environmental impact.
Deactivation bags are also able to be delivered to all Meals on Wheels clients in partnership with the O’Leary Senior Center, are available at the Food Pantry, or can be delivered to home mailboxes.
To receive a free drug deactivation bag, contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northreadingma.gov or call (978)357-5054.
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