Needham Police to Host Drug Take Back Event

The Needham Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day, announced Chief Philip Droney on Thursday.

The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Needham Police Department, located at 99 School St.

The Needham Police Department has participated in National Drug Take Back Day every year since the program’s inception.

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that gives the public an opportunity to prevent substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs in their possession. The DEA will accept pills and patches but cannot take liquids, needles, or sharps.

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

This initiative addresses a vital public health issue. Easily accessible unused prescriptions in homes are highly susceptible to abuse and misuse. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Residents are advised to avoid disposing unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

Residents can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Needham Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.