Chief Edward J. Walsh and the Taunton Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Taunton Police Department, 23 Summer St.
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, Taunton Police Detectives Jeffrey Danner and Ryan Fitzgerald and Officer Michael Williams will be collecting unwanted pills or patches from residents at the police station. Residents should note that liquids, needles or sharps will not be accepted.
“We encourage our community members to make the responsible decision and take a few moments out of their day this Saturday to dispose of any old or unwanted prescription medications,” Chief Walsh said. ‘By safely disposing of these medications, community members are actively helping to prevent the misuse of them.”
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.
Taunton 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.
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.
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