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 29, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM 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: Newport News Police South Precinct located at 3303 Jefferson Ave., Newport News Police Central Precinct located at 611 Dresden Drive and, Newport News Police North Precinct located at 368 DeShazor Drive.
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. Oftentimes medicines are flushed down a toilet or simply thrown away – both are potential safety and health hazards. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to treat the water that goes down toilets and sinks. But a treatment plant will not remove medication from wastewater. When medications are poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet, they can contaminate the environment when the treated wastewater is discharged back into our waterways.
This event will offer the opportunity for the community to drop off any expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications.
For additional information visit: takeback
This service is both free and anonymous, no questions asked.