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Dispose of unwanted prescription medication at one of three sites in Somerville.
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health and Human Services, Police and Fire Departments announced today that, in collaboration with the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back” program, Somerville will celebrate “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, April 30. The focus of the National event is to raise awareness to prevent prescription drug abuse, pollution and theft. Residents are invited to bring unused pills for disposal to one of three sites in the community:
- Somerville Police Department, 220 Washington St.
- Somerville Fire Headquarters, 266 Broadway
- Teele Sq. Fire Station, 6 Newbury St.
The service is free and anonymous.
“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said Doug Kress, Director of Health and Human Services. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.”
For more facts and information, visit:
- www.drugfree.org
- www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
- www.odprevention.org
- www.mwra.com/04water/html/pharmaceuticals.htm
- www.epa.gov/ppcp/faq.html#regulated
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, contact Patty Contente at (617) 625-6600 x 7281 or Cory Mashburn at (617) 625-6600 x 2570.
— City of Somerville
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Good program. There’s a lot of potentially dangerous stuff floating around out there. Let’s get rid of it.
Who is this Doug Kress character? Is he new? If so, Ive never heard of him. Maybe he should get out in the community a little bit and be a real Health Director.
Doug Kress is a great (new) Health Director that has already made some serious difference here in Somerville.
You can also bring unwanted prescription drugs to the lobby of the Somerville police station in Union Square, any time.
To Courtney O’Keefe: What kind of difference has Mr. Kress done in Somerville? Its just funny how not many people have not heard from him in the community.
Discuss someone’s participation in Somerville policy/initiative making?! Me?! Is it my Birthday?!
In 2012, while studying at Tufts, Doug crafted the Mobile Food Vendor ordinance. In 2015, he helped launch the Somerville Youth Mental Wellness Ambassador Program in coordination with Teen Empowerment. In 2016, he updated the Tobacco & E-Cigarette regulations and is now heading up the prescription medication take-back day. Throughout that timeline, there have also been community and ResiStat meeting participation and a couple of stints in other jobs.
O’Keefe …. #micdrop
With the constant turn-over at city hall it’s hard to keep up