Berkshire County Rx Round Up Set for April 29
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Community coalitions from across the county have joined forces to host a Rx Round Up at three locations on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. Anyone with unused, unwanted and expired prescription, over-the-counter and controlled medications may stop by to dispose of them safely. Personal needles will also be accepted in puncture-proof plastic containers. The process of dropping off medication is anonymous, takes only a minute, is better for the environment, and could end up saving lives.
The Rx Round Up will take place at the following locations: North Adams Police Station, 11 Summer St.; 510 North Street in Pittsfield, and the Lenox Police Department, 6 Walker St.
The 2017 prescription Rx Round Up is a continuation of year-round efforts by the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and several community partners to curb prescription drug abuse. Prescription drop boxes are an easy and accessible way to safely dispose of unused medication throughout the year. It is essential that disposal of unwanted drugs is continuous, and that they are not saved for collection days, as this can increase the risk of inappropriate use.
"Prescription drug abuse is a growing national and local issue. In a countywide survey of all eighth, 10th and 12th grade students in Berkshire County, 214 youth indicated that they used prescription drugs without a doctor's advice. Of these, 177 indicated that they had acquired the medications through their friends or family members, in their homes, or had recreationally used medicine that had previously prescribed to them. We urge parents and grandparents to comb through their cabinets and dispose of medications they are not currently taking and ensure their children only use medicine as prescribed," said Nataly Garzon, coordinator of youth development at Berkshire United Way.
While prescriptions are in the household, they should be locked up and inaccessible.
"All prescription drugs should be stored in a safe, secure location and taken only as prescribed. Children and teen's use of prescription drugs should involve adults dispensing the medication to them. A drug lockbox with a key or combination provides the best security," said Wendy Penner, director of prevention programs at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.
There are 12 drop off boxes across the county, which may be used at any time for unwanted, unused or expired medications. They are located inside police stations in Pittsfield, Adams, Dalton, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, North Adams, Sheffield, Williamstown Otis, and Stockbridge.
Please note, that because the aim is to collect prescription medications, the round up locations cannot accept thermometers, IV bags, blood or infectious waste, nebulizers and oxygen tanks.
Tags: prescription drugs,
