For Immediate Release: 10/30/2013 1:02 pm
Worcester, MA (October 30, 2013) - Central Massachusetts residents again responded overwhelmingly to the most recent drug enforcement agency National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On Saturday October 26th, citizens turned in 736 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 6 take-back sites that were available in conjunction with the City of Worcester Division of Public Health and Central MA Regional Public Health Alliances Take–Back Day.
"We are pleased to see that once again our community has stepped forward, and we thank them for participating and contributing to the battle against prescription drug abuse," said Derek Brindisi, Director of Public Health. "Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution."
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the US are alarmingly high - more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Total Pounds Collected:
Worcester: 167 lbs.
Shrewsbury: 270 lbs.
Leicester: 73.2 lbs.
Millbury: 27 lbs.
Holden: 130 lbs.
West Boylston: 69.6 lbs.
