Chief Joseph O’Connor is pleased to announce that the Concord Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day next week. 

WHEN:

Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

WHERE:

Concord Police Station Lobby, 219 Walden Street.

WHAT:

National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.

“We are happy to be participating in this national effort and giving our residents a safe and anonymous way to get rid of unwanted medication,” said Chief O’Connor. “Once all of the unwanted prescriptions are collected, the department will transport them to the DEA facility where they will be properly disposed of.”

The Concord Police also have a permanent take back box in the police station lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day.

Residents should note that no liquids, needles, or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk. A separate box is available for sharps.

The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Concord Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.