The Newport News Police Department will once again be participating in a nationwide initiative seeking to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. On Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. the Police Department along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. There will be three collection points available in Newport News, the Police Department’s North Precinct at 368 DeShazor Drive (the lot in between the Fire Station and Police Department), the Police Department’s South Precinct at 3303 Jefferson Ave. and the Sentara Port Warwick Emergency Room at 1131 Loftis Boulevard.
Many Americans are not aware that medicines that accumulate in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Prescription drug abuse in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends including from home medicine cabinets. Additionally, most people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications. Often these medicines are flushed down a toilet or simply thrown away – both are potential safety and health hazards.
This event will offer the opportunity for the community to drop off any expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications.
This service is both free and anonymous, no questions asked.