New Program Focuses on Securing Prescription Drugs as Open Houses

As part of an ongoing effort to fight opioid abuse, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS, and several public safety officials announced a new partnership to prevent drug theft at open houses.

The Safe Homes Coalition’s Keep Kids Safe Program was introduced Wednesday morning at the Weymouth Police Department and is designed to provide education and awareness around this issue. The group will distribute reusable, re-sealable bags to real estate professionals in greater Boston for their clients to use to secure prescription medications while their homes are being shown to potential buyers. This program educates the public about the need to safeguard their prescription medications, as they would any other valuables, prior to opening their homes to potential buyers or others.

“We have seen prescription drugs stolen during real estate open houses and viewings,” District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a release. “The Safe Homes Coalition will educate sellers on how to secure the drugs in their homes during showings, but also provide information on the larger issues of perpetual safe storage and disposal.”

Morrissey added that as 70% of opiate users say they got their first dose out of the medicine cabinet of family or a friend, according to research. Weymouth Mayor Susan Kay echoed the sentiment, noting that studies show that nearly half of young people who use heroin were initially addicted to prescription drugs.

“Yet we frequently leave unused, unsecured prescription drugs in common areas in our homes,” Kay said.

“Education is critical, and it requires the kind of collective community action and partnership that the Safe Homes Coalition embodies.”

The battle against opioid abuse has been a tragic one locally and statewide, In 2014, the Norfolk District Attorney’s office responded to 94 fatal opiate overdoses and has seen 110 in 2015. Morrissey said the number underrepresented the problem because his office would not be called if a victim is transported to a hospital and dies.

Boston is the second location for the Safe Homes Coalition, after San Diego. Last year, the coalition received commendation by the California State Senate in 2014 for its work in San Diego, distributing more than 10,000 bags and educating the public through presentations at community events. The group plans to distribute another 10,000 bags, participate in educational events throughout the region, and release other multimedia educational materials.