Newtown Prevention Council Sponsors Annual Drug Take Back Day

From Newtown Youth and Family Services:

NEWTOWN, CT—On April 30th The Newtown Prevention Council in partnership with the Newtown Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs in a manner that is safe, legal, and environmentally-friendly, and free to all residents. This event is hosted to draw awareness to our local drug drop off box located at the Newtown Police Department. Proper drug disposal reduces the risk of prescription drugs being consumed inappropriately – either by accident or through illegal sale or possession.

“Prescription drug misuse is occurring throughout Fairfield,” said Matt Ariniello of the Newtown Prevention Council, “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. Over the past few years over 3.4 million pounds of unused prescription drugs have been collected nationally through these take back initiatives. Newtown’s permanent drug take-back box is located at the Newtown Police Department and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Newtown Prevention Council is a coalition of diverse community members committed to creating a culture in Newtown that positively engages the community to empower youth and families to make healthy thoughtful decisions and to support healthy, substance free living.