Press Releases
11/21/2017
CONSUMER PROTECTION, MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES ENCOURAGE CONSUMERS TO CHECK MEDICINE CABINETS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
Tuesday, November 21st, 2017 – Today, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) want to remind families to check their medicine cabinets before the holiday in order to dispose of unneeded medication, and secure the medication they need. Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate with family, and see those we care about. Emptying medicine cabinets is one small, but important way to make sure your guests have a safe holiday.
“Disposing of unneeded medication is easy, and can prevent harm to those we care about,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “We’re encouraging families to dispose of unneeded medication so that they can focus on being together this holiday season.”
“The majority of people misusing prescription medications get these medications from family and friends. To help keep those you love healthy and safe, I am asking people to take a few moments to clean out their medicine cabinets of unused or unwanted medications,” stated DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “This simple step can help make the holidays that much safer for you and the ones you love.”
Families in Connecticut can locate their nearest drug drop box on our map at www.ct.gov/dropbox. They can also dispose of unneeded medication at home using instructions from our videos in English here, and in Spanish here.
If you’re concerned you have a family member that may be at risk for overdose, you can find a pharmacy to provide a naloxone prescription on this map. Don’t forget to call ahead to ensure the medication is available.
If you or somebody you love needs help with addiction, call the ACCESS Line at 1 (800) 563-4086, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, to be connected to addiction services and treatment.
Questions or concerns related to drug disposal can be directed to DCP’s Drug Control Division by emailing dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov, or by calling (860) 713-6065.
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Department of Consumer Protection
Lora Rae Anderson
lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Diana Lejardi
diana.lejardi@ct.gov
(860) 418-6967 (office)
(860) 558-0024 (cell)
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