New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford Police collected more than 205 pounds of prescription medications, their most enthusiastic response yet, at the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, Oct. 22. Residents brought 205.4 pounds of prescription medication to police headquarters at 871 Rockdale Ave. during the collection.
The medication was transported off site and disposed of safely. Prescription medicine abuse can be a serious problem, so careful, responsible disposal of medication that is no longer needed helps keep the community safe. The drug take-backs are held every six months. In September 2015, 155.4 pounds of medication were collected in New Bedford. In April 2016, 179 pounds of medication were collected in New Bedford.
The event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Medications can also be dropped off year-round at the New Bedford Police headquarters, 871 Rockdale Ave., and the downtown police station, 572 Pleasant 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.
Sharps must be in a red biohazard container. New Bedford residents can pick up one free container at the health department, 1213 Purchase St., 508-999-2619.
