Cranston police participating in Prescription Drug Take Back effort

Posted 4/28/16

On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cranston residents are encouraged to drop off their unused and expired prescription drugs at one of two locations across the city as part of the …

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Cranston police participating in Prescription Drug Take Back effort

Posted

On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cranston residents are encouraged to drop off their unused and expired prescription drugs at one of two locations across the city as part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back Program.

The program was created in 2010 by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent pill abuse and theft by allowing residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

A statewide list of locations and participating police departments can be found at dea.gov or riag.ri.gov. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. In addition, many police departments provide free drop-off boxes year-round. Note that DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.

Cranston’s two sites are police headquarters located at 5 Garfield Ave. and the CVS Pharmacy located at 681 Reservoir Ave.

“The rate of abuse of prescription drugs is disturbing and is compounded by the tragic incidences of accidental overdoses and poisoning due to the illicit consumption of these drugs. We want to ensure that our residents know that these medicines that no longer serve a purpose can be disposed of in a safe manner,” Maj. Todd Patalano said. “Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinets and use this opportunity to dispose of them properly.

In 2014, the DEA issued regulations that would legally expand options for disposing of controlled substances beyond the scheduled prescription drug take back days. Recognizing the success and popularity of the one-day events, the DEA decided to once again support the program nationwide in partnership with state and local law enforcement. In Rhode Island, there are several police departments that offer this service year round, including the city of Cranston. In addition, other methods for safe disposal of prescription medications are available throughout the state including at pharmacies and healthcare facilities.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, visit riag.ri.gov or dea.gov.

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