Take Back Your Prescription Drugs In Milford

MILFORD, MA—The town of Milford is joining hundreds across the country and taking part in the National Drug Take Back Initiative on Saturday, April 29.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day "aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications."

The take-back happens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and residents can safely dispose of unwanted, unused, expired prescriptions by dropping them off at the Milford Senior Center, 60 North Bow St.

The Milford Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is giving the public its 13th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

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, according to the announcement. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, said the Milford Police Department. 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, continues the release. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Find the closest prescription drug take-back participant near you here.

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