Dispose of Prescription Drugs Anonymously Next Saturday

Residents are being urged to dispose of unused prescription drugs in the home during a Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Sept. 26.

Haverhill Police will conduct the prescription drug disposal day as part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the police station, 40 Bailey Boulevard. Residents are encouraged to gather expired, unused and unneeded medications, which will be collected and safely disposed of by the U.S. DEA at no cost to the local community.

“We need to continue to have events to highlight the need for services for people who are addicted to drugs. This event will take old prescription drugs out of homes and keep them out of the wrong hands,” said Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini.

In conjunction with the event, the mayor’s Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) Task Force will host information booths provided by service agencies throughout the area. The agencies will highlight services available in addressing substance abuse and its impact on families and the community. Learn to Cope will conduct training sessions on steps to take in responding to a potential overdose.

“We are involved in this effort in order to help get these potentially dangerous drugs out of your homes and disposed of legally and safely. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem and one that we all need to address,” said Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro. “On an ongoing basis, parents and grandparents need to monitor their prescriptions closely to ensure that their children or children’s friends don’t have access to these drugs. For example, keeping medication in the bathroom, while common, makes it easy for a curious teen to get their hands on these drugs.”

The prescription drug disposal is anonymous and free of charge for residents. Public health nurse will also provide a kiosk for safe disposal of syringes, also known as “sharps.” disposal. Medical devices, thermometers and IV bags cannot be accepted.