West Newbury Police Chief Arthur Reed.
West Newbury Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day later this month.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., officers will be on-hand at the West Newbury Police Department. 401 Main St., to collect unwanted prescription drugs from any resident wishing to dispose of their old, unwanted or unneeded prescriptions. There is no charge.
“Every unwanted prescription left languishing in a medicine cabinet is another chance for drugs to end up in the wrong hands, accidentally or otherwise,” Police Chief Arthur Reed said.
The Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event that is administered by the Drug Enforcement Administration. During the last April’s event, 900,386 pounds (450 tons) was collected at close to 5,500 sites across the nation.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
West Newbury will accept pills and patches, but cannot take liquids, needles or sharps. To arrange for the disposal of those items, contact the West Newbury Board of Health at 978-363-1109.