Groveland Police Department
Jeffrey Gillen, Deputy Chief
Public Safety Building
181 Main St
Groveland, MA 01834

For Immediate Release

Monday, April 24, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Police Department to Hold Drug Take Back Day Event

GROVELAND – Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen announces that the Groveland Police Department will partake in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this weekend and encourages residents to drop off unused, unwanted or expired medications.

On Saturday, April 29, the Groveland Police Department, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be accepting prescription drugs at the police station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for proper disposal. Drop-offs are free and will remain anonymous. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. 

“If you have old, unused or expired medication, please don’t leave it at home where it is at risk of being abused or misused,” Deputy Chief Gillen said. “We hope to see residents come out to take this proactive step in combating the nation’s current opioid epidemic.”

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous take back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds – more than 3,500 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. 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 previous methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash —  pose potential environmental, safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the April 29 event, visit the DEA website or contact the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

###

Groveland Police Department to Hold Drug Take Back Day Event

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *