The National Drug Take Back Initiative IX will take place on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Chelsea Police Station at 19 Park St. In addition to the national collections that take place, the City of Chelsea Police Department maintains a year-round 24 hour a day anonymous drop off box for prescription medicines within our police station.
The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, Americans turned in 390 tons (over 780,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,400 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—more than 2,100 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
The City Council recognized the work of the Governor Bellingham Cary House Association through the adoption of a resolution sponsored by Council President Matt Frank and Councillor Giovanni Recupero. The circa 1659 house on Parker Street, the City’s oldest, was a hunting lodge for then Governor Richard Bellinhgam. Since 1912, the Governor Bellingham-Cary House Association has cared for the National Landmark. The Association is holding its 3rd Annual Governor Bellingham’s Harvest Supper on Saturday, October 11th, from 6-8 p.m., and is serving a three course meal from the house’s kitchen. Seating is limited and tickets cost $25 for members and $30 for the general public. Call (617) 884-4090 for more information about the dinner or becoming a member of the association. Pictured with the City Council and receiving the resolution are Trustee Lee Farrington, President Charlie Chapman, Secretary Jean Chapman and Vice President Karen McInnis. Said Council Pres. Frank: “The Governor Bellingham Cary House is a real treasure, not only for Chelsea, but for the entire state and country. We are all grateful to the Association for maintaining and advancing its role in promoting the history of our great republic and the sense of community that makes Chelsea so special.”