Medication Take Back Event Held Today at Memorial Field

Studies have shown that improperly disposed of medications can cause major problems with the environment, as well as fall into the hands of those who may abuse them. For these reasons and more, the Needham Health Department will be hosting its Medication Take Back- Disposal Day this morning from 9 a.m. to noon.

Health Dept. Senior Program Coordinator Carol Read relates that she has learned much through her work over the years about the misuse and abuse of prescription medications. Her eyes were opened even wider to the subject, though, after hearing a speech by Mark Caverly, chief of the office of Diversion Control for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Mark outlined the severity of the issue on a national level and showed slides on Medication Take Back- Disposal events that are happening around the country to create awareness and counteract the multiple issues related to misuse, accidental poisonings, environmental impact and abuse by youth and adults," she said.

The severity of which Read speaks includes the fact that more than 2.1 million youths have reported abusing prescription drugs in 2008, according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Association. On a more local level, 7.5% of Needham High School Students report using prescription medications before without a doctor's prescription.

Poisonings are also a factor in misused or accidental use of medications, said Read. A 2007 Center for Disease Control study showed that nearly all poison related deaths are caused by drugs and that most of those deaths are a result of abuse. Drug poisoning deaths have also increased 62.5% between 1999 and 2004.

The environment is additionally a major reason to properly dispose of medications. According to the group Smart Disposal, improperly disposed of medications can wreak havoc on humans and animals and the environment in which they live. Flushing old pills, for example, can pump antidepressants, birth control medication, antibiotics and other drugs into waterways and eventually make their way into drinking water.

Having learned more about disposal events, Read reported her findings to Police Chief Tom Leary and Lt. Chris Baker. The Health and Police Depts. soon after worked together on creating a Needham disposal day.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Police Dept.," said Read.

Read also shares that the federal Drug Free Communities Grant, which Needham received in Sept. 2009, has paid for the installation of a permanent disposal safe to be located in the Police Station. The safe will be available to the public on or around June 16, according to Read, and will be available for residents to dispose of medication 365 days a year.

Residents who don't want to wait that long can come to Memorial Field today between 9 a.m. and noon. All unwanted, unused and expired medications can be properly disposed of at the gazebo. Needles, thermometers, medical waste and illicit drugs such as cocaine and marijuana will not be accepted.

Those concerned about privacy do not need to be concerned, said Read. Residents will be asked to remove any identification labels and tools will be on hand, such as scissors and black markers, to remove labels there or make them unreadable. No personal information will be asked of guests, either.

"Confidentiality is a priority for this event," she said. 

Beyond the disposal event, parents are asked to talk with children about the risks of using drugs and to check for warning signs of drug use. If you suspect someone you care about is abusing medications ask for help. Assessment and counseling resources are available at www.needhamma.gov/health/substanceabuse.

Prescription Medication Resources

www.StopMedicineAbuse.org

www.drugfree.org

www.ondcp.org/drugfacts

www.drugabuse.gov