After tremendous success the past two years in removing dangerous prescription drugs from Rhode Island homes, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is once again lending his support to local and state law enforcement agencies participating in the statewide Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Office of Attorney General, the US Dept. of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rhode Island State Police and more than 30 police departments statewide will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Residents are urged to bring their medications for safe and secure disposal to any of 35 collection sites across Rhode Island (for a complete list, see the attached PDF or visit www.dea.gov or www.riag.ri.gov). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
The Coventry Police Department will be holding the town's take-back event at the Coventry Town Hall Annex (1675 Flat River Rd.).
“Since the program started in 2010, Rhode Islanders have responded by safely disposing of more than 6,000 pounds of expired or unwanted prescription medications,” said Attorney General Kilmartin. “We cannot avoid the growing use and abuse of prescription drugs particularly by teens and young adults. By preventing drug abuse where it starts – in the home - we can make a real impact on this dangerous and deadly addiction.”
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.
“The Prescription Drug Take Back program is a simple way to protect yourself and your family from potential killers in your home medicine cabinet," said AG Kilmartin.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Please note: Needles are not accepted at collection sites. Liquids are accepted, so long as they are sealed.