ESSEX — Chief Paul Francis and the Board of Health Administrator Erin Kirchner are pleased to announce that the Essex Police Department and the Essex Board of Health, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Essex Public Safety Building: 11 John Wise Ave.
WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2020 an estimated 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 5.1 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 6.2 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
“It is important for residents to understand the severity of addiction and prescription drug misuse,” said Chief Francis. “We as a department want to provide residents with the necessary resources to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications.”
Essex Police also have a permanent take back box at the Essex Public Safety building lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day. Residents should note that no liquids, needles, sharps or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk.
“We are pleased to be a part of such an important event,” said Administrator Kirchner. “This is a judgement free zone, and we encourage residents to attend if they are struggling to get rid of unwanted prescription medications.”
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
###