The Newport Prevention Coalition and the Newport Police Department will host the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 51 Memorial Blvd.
A Newport police officer will be on hand to collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs for safe, anonymous disposal at no cost. This year marks the first time the Newport event will also accept sharps and needles, which will be properly disposed of on site. Refreshments and resources will also be available.
Liquid products such as cough syrup may be brought in their original, tightly sealed containers. Collection sites will not accept illicit drugs.
Now in its 16th year, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded, expired or unwanted medications at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide. Since its inception, the program has removed more than 19.8 million pounds of medication from circulation.
For more information, call Melanie Saunders, coordinator of the Newport Prevention Coalition, at (401) 753-8284.
