New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford Police collected a record number of unwanted and expired prescription medications Saturday, Oct. 27 during National Prescription Drug “Take Back” Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Police collected 420 pounds of medication, surpassing all previous New Bedford Police Department totals and topping the collection of all area police departments.
This total eclipses the previous collection total of 367.8 pounds at the April 2018 event by more than 52 pounds.
The event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications. This ensures that the medications do not end up in the wrong hands or in the ecosystem.
New Bedford Police host two drug take back day events each year, in April and in October. The day’s activities are organized by detectives Kelly Almeida and Bryan Oliveira.
Medications can also be dropped off year-round at the New Bedford Police headquarters, 871 Rockdale Ave., the downtown police station, 572 Pleasant St., the north end station, 781 Ashley Blvd., and the south end station, 168 Cove St.
Accepted items include prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and veterinary medications.
Needles, syringes and lancets can be dropped off at three New Bedford locations: Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, 874 Purchase St., 508-992-6553; and two locations of Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1173 Acushnet Ave., 508-996-0546; and 589 South First St., 508-996-3147. Call the locations for specific hours and additional information.
