|
Merrimack and Bedford NH RX Collections....Merrimack and Bedford are among dozens of
New Hampshire cities and towns accepting old and unwanted prescription
drugs as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday,
Oct. 29.
From the Nashua Telegraph,
Anyone wanting to dispose of drugs that
have expired or are no longer needed or wanted is encouraged to bring
them to the most convenient site between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day for
proper disposal.
Merrimack and Bedford police stations are
serving as collection sites for this initiative. Merrimack’s is at 31
Baboosic Lake Road, while Bedford’s is at 55 Constitution Drive.
This is the third national take back day, a
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency initiative launched last year in response
to a 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
survey that showed more than 7 million Americans currently abuse
prescription drugs.
Studies show that the majority of those who
abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends, often taking
them from their home medicine cabinets, according to the Partnership
for a Drug Free America. The agency further estimates about 2,500 teens
get their first high from abusing prescription drugs.
“This is a great opportunity for those who
missed the prior events or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted,
unused prescription drugs,” Merrimack police Lt. Paul Trepaney said,
adding that Merrimack participated in both previous take back days.
“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” he said.
Merrimack’s first two take back days were
very successful, Trepaney said, with roughly 210 pounds of unwanted
drugs collected – 129 in October 2010 and just over 81 pounds in April’s
initiative.
Police collect the drugs in boxes and bags. The drugs are brought to DEA facilities and destroyed in incinerators.
Last fall, New Hampshire’s 50 collection
sites took in close to 2,500 pounds of unwanted prescriptive drugs,
roughly 10 percent of the amount collected across New England, according
to regional DEA agent Steven Derr.
At the national level, close to 4,000 state
and local law enforcement agencies participated, collecting more than
309 tons of pills that otherwise may have gone down toilets or drains
and eventually, in some cases, into groundwater and public water
supplies.
Other collection sites in the area include Amherst, Londonderry, Windham, Derry, Litchfield, Goffstown, Hollis and Nashua.
Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 31, or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.
And of course if we can help with listings or selling Bedford NH homes or Merrimack NH homes, call us today.
Or when you need assistance with Bedford NH real estate and Bedford NH homes, call our Bedford NH real estate office . We can help with all Bedford NH properties including Bedford NH luxury homes and Bedford NH estates .
|
