Monday, April 23, 2012

Richmond Police, RBHA Join Forces for Drug Take-Back


The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies across the country will host a nationwide Drug Take-Back initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

The Richmond Police Department and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority will partner with local pharmacies of Walgreens and Rite Aid to host three public collection sites:

• “Get Healthy – Stay Healthy” Health Expo, Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. Third St.

• East District Center, 701 N. 25th St.

• Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull St.

Expired and unused prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, abuse and illegal sales. These medications cannot be turned in to your local pharmacy. Residents also are asked not to flush the prescriptions into the sewer system for environmental reasons.

“This is a public service that could possibly save a life,” said Acting Captain Martin Harrison of the Department’s Special Investigations Division. “Old and unused prescription medication should not be kept around the house, and the drug take-back initiative provides a safe opportunity for proper disposal.”

All prescription medications collected will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines. Richmond Police asks that you do not bring syringes or illegal narcotics for disposal to the collection sites.