DEA NATIONAL TAKE BACK DAY: 

April 28^th, 10:00am-1:00pm, Rose Baker Senior Center

HEALTHY GLOUCESTER COLLABORATIVE (HGC), GLOUCESTER HEALTH DEPT AND GLOUCESTER POLICE DEPT TO HOLD DRUG DISPOSAL EVENT

Gloucester, MA– The DEA recently announced that the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,  Saturday, April 28^th. As with the previous Take-Back events, sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.

HGC once again has coordinated the local Gloucester Drug Take Back at the Rose Baker Senior Center from 10:00am – 1:00pm.  Help us get more prescription drugs off the streets and disposed of properly.

This National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said, “Our last drug take-back event in September was a big success, it resulted in the proper disposal of more than 200lbs of expired or unused medications.  With the help of everyone in the community, the goal is to increase that number.  Each person can make a difference that together makes for a healthier community. This is a simple way for us all to come together and take action to prevent substance misuse.”

HGC has long been providing innovative ways to tackle the substance misuse problem.  Most recently HGC and regional partners sponsored a certified medical provider training conducted by Boston University to support safe prescribing practices for pain; expanded training for law enforcement officers to increase awareness of substance misuse and diversion to treatment practices; and currently increasing recovery coach capacity through upcoming certified training and regional forum.

The April 28^th event would not be possible without the support of HGC’s many community partners including the Mayor, City Council, Gloucester Police Department, Conley’s Drug Store, Addison Gilbert Hospital, the Council on Aging, local business leaders as well as volunteers including the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative Youth Council , TRIAD and committed community members.

Please do your part, make a difference – we look forward to seeing you April 28^th, 10:00-1:00pm. Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov.

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About Healthy Gloucester Collaborative and Regional Opioid Abuse Prevention Partners~ Be Healthy Beverly and DanversCares Healthy Gloucester Collaborative and Regional Partners Beverly and Danvers are dedicated to reduce alcohol and other drug problems and related consequences to youth and adults. As regional partners, we provide a network of public and private community members whose vision is to strengthen healthier communities for all.