National Drug Takeback Day

Southampton Town is participating in the federal Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27.

Because unused medications that are not disposed of can end up in the hands of the most vulnerable populations, like children, and flushing medications down a toilet could ultimately result in them entering the aquifer and polluting the drinking water, the town is hosting takebacks through its police department at three separate locations to help keep the community safe and clean.

According to a 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, six million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs that year. The study shows that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

Collection sites will be at Hampton Bays Community Center, 25 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays; Flanders Community Center, 655 Flanders Road, Flanders; and Southampton Town Police Substation at the Bridgehampton Commons, 2044 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Liquid medications, syringes, sharps, and thermometers are not accepted. The drop-off service is free and confidential.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the National Drug Take Back Day event, go to takebackday.dea.gov or call the Southampton Town Police Evidence & Property Section at 631-702-2254.

desiree@indyeastend.com