Durham and Middlefield Resident Troopers Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs on April 30th

Middlefield and Durham, April 15, 2016: On April 30th from 10 am – 2 pm the Connecticut State Police, Troop F and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This effort to allow for safe, legal, and environmentally-friendly disposal of prescription drugs is a free and anonymous service to all residents; with no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal to the Middlefield Resident Troopers Office (405 Main Street) or the Durham Resident Troopers Office (24 Townhouse Road).

This effort reduces the risk of prescription drugs being consumed inappropriately – either by accident or through illegal sale or possession. “Prescription drug misuse is increasing at alarming rates across Middlesex County,” said Stephanie Moran, Prevention Coordinator with the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition, “data shows that a majority of illegal prescription drug use occurs when people get them from a friend or family member, for free.” Take-back efforts reduce the amount of available prescription drugs in communities to limit access and avoid misuse.

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in previous take back events, DEA and its partners have taken on over 4.8 million pounds-more than 2,400 tons – of pills.

  Middlefield and Durham Resident Troopers will continue to conduct these events to decrease the supply of unused prescription drugs in homes, reducing access and misuse, especially among youth. “I encourage community members to participate on April 30th” said Middlefield Resident Trooper, Eric Kelly “we need to continue working together to make our communities safer and healthier.”

The Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is planned, staffed, and provided as a continuing proactive effort by The Connecticut State Police, Troop F to prevent drug abuse before it happens in our community. This event is supported by The Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition.

For more information:  www.dmlwc.org or www.facebook.com/dmlwc