National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health & Human Services, and Somerville Police and Fire Departments announced today that, in collaboration with the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back” program, Somerville will celebrate “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, October 27, 2018 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 by properly disposing of unwanted medications safely.

There is a permanent MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosk for medications and sharps in the lobby of the Somerville Police Department, located at 220 Washington Street. Disposal is free, anonymous, and available 24/7. In addition, October 27 only, there will also be another kiosk available for medication disposal only (not sharps) at the Somerville Fire Station at 6 Newbury Street in Teele Square. 

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, vitamins, and/or liquids in glass or leak-proof containers

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.

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 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, please contact Patty Contente, LICSW at 617-625-6600 ext. 7281, or Matthew Mitchell, LSW at 617-625-6600 ext. 2570.