Bedford Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day

BEDFORD, NH — Chief John J. Bryfonski has announced that the Bedford Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day later this month, according to a press statement. On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., officers will be on-hand at the Bedford Police Department, 55 Constitution Drive, to collect unwanted prescription drugs from any resident wishing to dispose of their old, unwanted or unneeded prescriptions. The event is completely free of charge for all.

"The Bedford Police are pleased to participate in National Drug Take Back Day, which is a unified, nationwide effort to take potentially dangerous drugs out of circulation and keep them from falling into the wrong hands," Bryfonski said. "I encourage everyone to check their homes and see if they have any medications that they no longer need and would like to safely dispose of at the police station." (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Bedford NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Like Bedford NH Patch on Facebook)

The Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event that is administered by the Drug Enforcement Administration. During the last event, on April 29, the event brought in 900,386 pounds (450 tons) at close to 5,500 sites across the nation.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

"Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That's dangerous and often tragic,” said Acting DEA Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “That's why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously - a record amount of prescription drugs."

Bedford Police will accept pills and patches, but cannot take liquids, needles or sharps.

The Bedford Police Department also offers a prescription drug drop box in its lobby, which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the upcoming Take Back Day, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact Bedford Police Detective Lt. Michael Griswold 603-472-5113 Ext. 338.

Submitted by the Bedford Police. Image via DEA.