Newport’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for Oct. 25, has been canceled due to the federal government shutdown, according to the Newport Prevention Coalition.
Melanie Saunders, coordinator of the Newport Prevention Coalition, confirmed the cancellation in a message sent Thursday morning.
“I was informed on Tuesday that Drug Take Back Day, originally scheduled for Oct. 25, is canceled due to the government shutdown,” Saunders said.
The event was set to be the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and was planned to take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a new location — the Salvation Army at 51 Memorial Blvd.
The Newport Prevention Coalition and Newport Police Department had organized the collection effort, which would have provided residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications. Refreshments were planned to be available for those dropping off materials.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications for 16 years. Since its inception, the initiative has collected more than 19.8 million pounds (10,000 tons) of medication through partnerships with local law enforcement at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide.
Newport residents seeking to dispose of prescription medications can utilize permanent drug disposal boxes located at police departments and other designated locations throughout the state.
For more information about prescription drug disposal options, contact the Newport Prevention Coalition.
