NATIONAL TAKE BACK

Dispose of unused or expired medication at one of two sites in Somerville. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health & Human Services, Police and Fire Departments announced that, in collaboration with the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” program, Somerville will once again participate in “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on October 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

 The focus of the national event is to raise awareness about preventing prescription drug abuse, pollution, and theft as residents are encouraged to dispose of medications safely and properly.
Somerville Prevention Services, a division of the Health & Human Services Department, partnered with all local pharmacies to attach safe disposal guides to prescriptions filled in the month of April. The guides include information about safe disposal practices, risks associated with not disposing properly, & information about where to return unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications.
There is a permanent MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosk for medications and sharps in the lobby of the Somerville Police Department, 220 Washington Street. Disposal is free, anonymous, and available 24/7.

In addition, on this day only, there will also be another kiosk available for medications only (no liquids, no sharps) at the Somerville Fire Station Ladder 3 at 6 Newbury Street.

The following items can be deposited in the medication kiosks: Prescription & over-the-counter medications, pet medications, samples of medications, pills, capsules, inhalers, ointments, patches, and vitamins. Please remove any identifying information (your name, address, etc.) on the label of the container or place medication in a clear Ziploc-type of bag.

No liquids will be taken at the Kiosks. To dispose of Liquid medications please pour liquids into a zip lock bag and mix with inedible material like coffee grinds; kitty litter or saw dust. Seal the bag and place in regular garbage.

Sharps can be returned only at the Police Station. To return sharps at the Police Station: Place sharp needles in a secure container such as a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle.


For more facts and information, visit:
 www.drugfree.org
 www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
 www.odprevention.org
 www.mwra.com/04water/html/pharmaceuticals.htm
 www.epa.gov/ppcp/faq.html#regulated


For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26th, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, contact Patty Contente at (617) 625-6600, ext. 7281 or Matthew Mitchell at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2570.


Sponsors: City of Somerville, Public HealthShape Up , Somerville Somerville Prevention 


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