John J. Bryfonski, Chief of Police
55 Constitution Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police Department to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day
BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski announces that the Bedford Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day later this month.
On Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., officers will be available at the Bedford Police Department lobby, 55 Constitution Drive, to collect prescription drugs from any resident wishing to dispose of their old, unwanted, or unneeded prescriptions. The event is free of charge.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.
Last April, Americans turned in 474.5 tons (over 949,046 pounds) of prescription drugs at 5,842 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,683 of its state and local law enforcement partners. The Bedford Police Department collected over 300 pounds of unwanted or expired medications.
“Our community has historically shown strong support for this initiative, and I look forward to their continuing to do so at our event next week,” Chief Bryfonski said. “Leftover medications can often fall into the wrong hands and be used improperly. We want to provide an avenue for proper disposal so that these potentially dangerous drugs can be safely destroyed.
Medicines left in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Studies indicate that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are also advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
The Bedford Police Department will only accept pills and patches during Take Back Day.
For more information about National Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA website by clicking here.
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