Published October 1, 2020
NORTH READING — The North Reading Police Department and North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in urging residents to safely dispose of unused and outdated prescription medication. Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps; only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
In response to concerns that disposals are down due to COVID-19, the NRPD and the Coalition will host Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Senior Center, 157 Park St.
“Our drug take-back program has been a huge success for the past few years. Of course, we’re concerned about keeping that program active during COVID restrictions. All of our programs are adapting, and we want to make sure that people have a safe way to continue to rid their homes of unused prescriptions,” explained Police Chief Michael Murphy.
Murphy added, “Usually, residents drop off their unused drugs throughout the year, but with COVID, we’ve seen a very understandable decline in numbers. This means that there is the potential that residents are unintentionally hoarding their unused drugs or flushing them. Neither option is good.”
There is a kiosk in the lobby of the police station where residents may drop off unused drugs year-round.
“Ditch the Vape”
Additionally, the Coalition and NRPD will allow residents to drop off unwanted vaped devices and cartridges during the Take Back Day in a campaign called “Ditch the Vape.” Vaping has always been a concerning trend for the Coalition, and new data shows that for those who vape and smoke, their lungs are more susceptible to disease.
“We’re encouraging everyone, youth and adults, who are ready to give up their vapes to drop them off at the Take Back Day. With the added threat of COVID, now is the perfect time to quit. We know that having the vape device out of the home is a key strategy to quitting, and we want to support that,” said Drug Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz.
Due to environmental issues, however, residents are required to remove any lithium ion battery packs or battery cells in vapes before dropping them off at the NRPD. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, the DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.
Luckiewicz added, “We know most people have a hard time quitting vaping and smoking, and we want to help. Nicotine cessation information will be available on hand.”
Residents are welcome to discuss their cessation needs with the NRPD’s Mental Health/Substance Abuse Clinician, Laura Miranda, via a scheduled phone or video conference by contacting her at lmiranda@nrpd.org or by calling 978-357-5038.
In addition, residents who are concerned about leaving their houses have another option. The Community Impact Team (CIT) is offering free drug deactivation bags. These bags contain chemicals to render drugs inactive and are suitable for pills, patches and liquid medications. The sealable bags can then be disposed of safely in the trash.
Luckiewicz explained, “We want to make sure these drugs are getting out of homes safely, and flushing them down the toilet causes damage to our environment. This is a great solution for people who can’t get to the Rx Take-Back Kiosk.”
Chief Murphy acknowledged concerns people may have about attending an in-person event. “We want to ensure that this event is safe for all,” he said. “We’ll be providing plenty of space to maintain social distancing at the event, and we’re asking everyone to wear a mask. However, if you still don’t feel comfortable, please remember that our drug drop-off kiosk will be available 24/7 in the police lobby before and after the Oct. 24 Take Back Day or please take advantage of the deactivation bags.”
Stay in vehicles for drop-off
In order to maintain safety, residents are required to wear masks and remain in their vehicles during the Oct. 24 drug take-back event. Signs will direct cars to enter one way, drop off their vapes and unused medications directly into bins, and exit as directed under the guidance of NRPD officers.
Deactivation bags can also be delivered to all Meals on Wheels clients, in partnership with the O’Leary Senior Center. They are available at the North Reading Food Pantry, 150 Haverhill St., and can be delivered to home mailboxes. To receive a free drug deactivation bag, contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northreadingma.gov or call 978-357-5054.