Westport Police Department and DEA Announce Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 24th
Press ReleaseOn Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Westport Police Department will again partner with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will be held at the Westport Center for Senior Activities located at 21 Imperial Avenue.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. 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.
Please note that collection sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Additionally, please see the attached link in regards to disposal of vape pens: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/vaping_disposal.pdf
Vape pens where the batteries can be removed, can be disposed of at the drug take back. Vape pens where batteries cannot be removed will NOT be accepted at the drug take back.
Last fall Americans turned in nearly 492.7 tons of prescription drugs at 4587 sites operated by the DEA and its state and local law enforcement partners. Please join the Westport Police Department in doing our part to help continue the success of this vital initiative.
For those seeking more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 24th Take Back Day event, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/
Residents are also reminded that a year-round collection bin is located in the lobby of Westport police headquarters, where prescription drugs can be properly disposed of at any time rather than waiting for designated collection dates.