In the News

Springfield Police Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announces that on Saturday, October 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Springfield Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  The public is invited to bring pills for disposal to the parking lot at Central High School, 1840 Roosevelt Ave.  Please note that the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles, only pills or patches.  The service is free and anonymous.

“This is a great example of positive partnerships between our police and community in addressing addiction prevention. I commend the Police Department and DEA for coming together and creating opportunities for people to safely dispose of these unneeded drugs, as so many families are affected by addiction and drug abuse,” said Mayor Sarno.

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons – over 893,000 pounds – of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners.  Overall, throughout its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 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. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  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 usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 22nd Take Back Day event, please visit the DEA Diversion website.

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