Mayor Elorza, State and Federal Partners Announce Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Victor Morente, Press Secretary

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza today announced that the City will hold its Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an effort that aims to reduce prescription drug misuse by collecting unused and expired drugs from residents, this Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

“Ridding your home of expired and unused prescription drugs this National Prescription Take Back Day is an easy and convenient way to help keep your family safe,” said Mayor Elorza. “I’m proud that Providence is once again participating in a national effort that helps prevent and eliminate serious risks. I invite families to take a look at their cabinets and drawers and visit a collection site.”

Take-backs will be held at four locations: Walgreens at 533 Elmwood Avenue, 1 Pocasset Avenue, and 295 Academy Avenue; the Providence Public Safety Complex at 325 Washington Street. The Elmwood Avenue Walgreens, in partnership with Neighborhood Health Plan and the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council, will also hold a health fair featuring a naloxone awareness table, blood pressure screenings, and special giveaways.

The Mayor was joined in announcing the Take-Back Day and encouraging resident participation by Sam Masiello, Group Supervisor for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency; Rebecca Boss, Acting Director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals; Steven M. Paré, Providence Public Safety Commissioner; Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., Chief of the Providence Police Department; and Ellen Cynar, Director of the City’s Healthy Communities Office.

Providence residents who cannot make it to Saturday’s take-back can drop off unused and expired medications any time at a bin in the Providence Public Safety Complex, as well as a permanent bin at the Walgreens Pharmacy on Elmwood Avenue during regular store hours.

Take backs will be happening throughout the state and region on Saturday, with locations listed on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s home page: www.DEA.gov.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.