For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Bridgewater Police Participates in Record National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

BRIDGEWATER — Chief Christopher Delmonte reports that the Bridgewater Police Department participated in a record-breaking National Prescription Drug Take Back Day last month.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was held on April 28. Bridgewater residents turned in unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications as part of the Bridgewater Police Department’s participation in the National Take Back Day initiative.

Together with a record-setting amount of local, state and federal partners, the

DEA’s 15th annual Take Back Day collected and destroyed close to one million pounds—nearly 475 tons— of potentially dangerous prescription drugs, making it the most successful event in DEA history.

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. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

The total amount of prescription drugs collected by the DEA since the fall of 2010 is now 9,964,714 pounds, or 4,982 tons.

“The Bridgewater Police Department is proud to participate in this impactful event,” Chief Delmonte said. “Prescription drugs can be very dangerous when misused. Properly disposing of old or unwanted medication is vital to keeping it out of the wrong hands.”

Residents who missed the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can still drop off their prescription drugs at any time in the collection box located in the Bridgewater Police Department’s lobby.

About National Prescription Drug Take Back Day:

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and local police departments. The designated day gives the public an opportunity to prevent substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs in their possession. The DEA will accept pills and patches but cannot take liquids, needles, or sharps.

Complete results for the DEA’s previous fall Take Back Day are available at  www.deatakeback.com. The DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 27.

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