PRESS RELEASE FOR DRUG TAKE BACK DAY:

“The Bedford Police Department is an enthusiastic participant in National Drug Take Back Day,” Chief Bryfonski said. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to combat the opioid crisis by disposing of unused prescription drugs that could pose a danger to the community. I encourage all residents who have unwanted prescription pills at home to drop them off at the police station in order to help to prevent those drugs from falling into the wrong hands.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted, or unused, prescription drugs. The DEA can accept patches and pills but not liquids, needles, or sharps.  (Those wishing to dispose of needles or sharps should refer to the Bedford PD website where they advise how to dispose of them under their FAQ section.)

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. The Bedford Police Department collected over 200 pounds of unwanted or expired medications. In its 12 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have collected 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 those unable to make it to the police station for National Drug Take Back Day, the Bedford Police Department also has a drop box in the police station lobby where residents can dispose of prescription drugs safely and anonymously any time.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact Detective Lt. Michael Griswold at The Bedford Police Department 603-472-5113 Ext. 338.

BPD Cares!