Crime & Safety

Johnston Police to Host 'Drug Take Back' on Saturday, Sept. 29

The local department will be accepting expired and unused prescriptions at the police station on Atwood Avenue.

 

The Johnston Police Department will once again take part in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at police headquarters on Atwood Avenue.

According to Rhode Island Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin, Rhode Islanders have disposed of more than 5,300 pounds of prescription drugs since the program began in 2010.

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“Prescription drug abuse is quickly becoming a major epidemic in Rhode Island and across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more Rhode Islanders die from accidental prescription drug overdose than any other cause of death. And, the number of individuals — especially teenagers — who abuse prescription medication is growing,” said Kilmartin in a statement. “One way we can combat this growing epidemic is to provide residents with a safe way to discard outdated and unused prescription medications.”

Under the program, local officers will accept any unused or old prescriptions, no questions asked. The service is free and anonymous, Kilmartin's press release noted.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For more information, contact Johnston Police at (401) 231-4210.


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