Stephanie Rodriguez, coordinator
for Chelsea Mobilizing
for Change.
A new kiosk has been installed in the front lobby of the Chelsea Police Station to aid in the disposal of unused or expired medications.
Residents are encouraged to use this as a safe and non-damaging way to dispose of unwanted medicine. “We all have medicine around the house that we have no use for; this is a great way to ensure those drugs are safely taken out of our homes,” said Chief of Police Brian Kyes.
The MedReturn Drug Collections kiosk is free, safe, and confidential. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No questions will be asked of people who use the kiosk, according to officials.
“There are many risks associated with leaving medicine around the house, whether unused or expired,” cautioned City Manager Jay Ash. “It poses a risk to children and other family members, and can harm the environment when people throw them in the trash or flush them down the toilet. The kiosk is a great and anonymous way to safely dispose of those medications.”
The 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives. City officials believe the kiosks will help mitigate this.
“We all have a part in reducing accidental or abusive uses of medications, and making sure we do so in the most responsible manner possible,” stressed Councillor Leo Robinson.
Robinson, the Chelsea Police, Chelsea ASAP and others are expected to conduct a public education effort around the availability of the disposal service at a City Hall rally on June 1st.