For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 7, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Ashby Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day This Month

ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden announces that the Ashby Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day later this month.

Residents are encouraged to visit the police station, 893 Main St., on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to dispose of their unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The event is free and anonymous.  

The initiative addresses the vital public health issue of removing easily accessible and unused prescriptions from people’s houses. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Residents are advised to avoid disposing unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

“Prescription drug abuse has affected our community just as it has affected nearly every community across the country,” Chief Alden said. “We urge residents to use this opportunity to remove potentially dangerous, unused or unwanted drugs from their homes to prevent them from ending up in the wrong hands.”

At the 11th National Take Back Day on April 30, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at 5,359 collection sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and police agencies have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

Residents can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Ashby Police Department’s collection kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the station’s lobby. The department also has a sharps container that is available for proper disposal of hypodermic syringes.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the Oct. 22 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website, or contact the Ashby Police Department at 978-386-5652.

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