Bloomfield Police Launch ‘Project Medicine Drop’ At Headquarters

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Township of Bloomfield recently announced that it has joined the New Jersey Attorney General's "Project Medicine Drop" initiative and has installed a stationary prescription medicine drop box at Bloomfield Police Headquarters.

According to a police news release, residents can visit 1 Municipal Plaza at any time to dispose of their unused or excess medications. The township will also be utilizing a mobile drop box, which will be used at public events and gatherings hosted in the community.

"Prescription drug abuse is a major issue in our state that contributes to the heroine and opiate addiction epidemic that is tearing apart so many families," said Mayor Michael Venezia. "Bloomfield is joining the Project Medicine Drop initiative to do our part to fight back against drug abuse by ensuring that unwanted medications are safely disposed of before they can fall into the wrong hands."

According to Bloomfield police, Project Medicine Drop is an important component of the New Jersey Attorney General's effort to stop the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, including highly addictive opiate painkillers. Through this initiative, the State Division of Consumer Affairs installs secure prescription drug drop boxes at police departments, sheriff offices, and State Police barracks across New Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused, excess, or expired prescription medications.

"The Bloomfield Police Department is focused on not just investigating crime, but to proactively reducing it to keep our residents safe," said Police Director Samuel DeMaio. "This initiative fits that mission well by taking steps to keep potentially dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands. We are encouraging all residents to make use of the convenient drop off options and help us prevent addition and abuse of prescription medicines."

Members of the public are invited to visit the Project Medicine Drop sites and drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no question asked. Most project Medicine Drop sites make this service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

Photo: Flickr Commons