Prescription Drug Take Back Event in Newport Sept. 27

The Newport Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be conducting an Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Event On Saturday, September 27th.

A nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft, the department said in a release:

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, 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. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

The Newport Police Department will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at Newport Police Department’s Assembly Room on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 from 10 A.M.-2 P.M. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Sgt. A. Chauvin achauvin@cityofnewport.com or at 845- 5770.