STAMFORD, CT – The City of Stamford yesterday participated in National “Drug Take-Back” day. Mayor David Martin and the Stamford Police Department greeted and thanked individuals as residents dropped off more than 220 pounds of unused prescription drugs. 

“With opioid abuse at epidemic levels, it is so important for residents to drop off unwanted, unneeded or expired medications for safe disposal,” said Mayor Martin. “Proper disposal of medications protects our residents and their loved ones from improper and illicit use while also protecting our environment.”

Ingrid Gillespie from Communities 4 Action a proponent against the opioid epidemic and an advocate to reduce substance misuse stated, "Unused medications in medicine cabinets are a primary source of prescription drug abuse. We continue to see an increase in opioid-related overdoses and deaths, which has been referred to as ‘an epidemic that starts in the medicine cabinet’ (Michael Botticelli, former director of ONDCP). For these reasons, it is very important that people get rid of unused medications.”

Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in the U.S., and a top public health concern. The DEA’s “Take-Back” initiative is one of several strategies under the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion in the nation. Additional strategies include education of health care providers, patients, parents and youth; establishing prescription drug monitoring programs in all 50 states; and increased enforcement to address illicit methods of prescription drug diversion