Press Releases
04/26/2019
Senator Blumenthal, Departments of Consumer Protection, Mental Health and Addiction Services Encourage Families to Dispose of Unneeded Medication Medication on Drug Take Back Day
Friday, April 26th, 2019 – Tomorrow, Saturday, April 27th is National Drug Take Back Day, and all across the country, families will be disposing of their unneeded medication. Families in Connecticut are encouraged to participate by visiting one of the nearly 100 drop boxes in the State of Connecticut, or by disposing unneeded medications safely in their home.
“Residents are urged to take advantage of National Drug Take Back Day at one of the nearly 100 drop boxes or drug disposal pouches across the state. Families across Connecticut have experienced the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic. It is incumbent upon all of us to do everything we can to combat this illness, and support families in need. Removing unused prescription drugs from the home is one key way to reduce the possibility of addiction, misuse, and abuse,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“National Drug Takeback Day is a great opportunity for families to start a habit of cleaning out their medicine cabinets if they haven’t in the past,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “Too many struggles with addiction start because of leftover opioids in our homes. We want to encourage families to build in some time to dispose of medication tomorrow, and to build it into their calendar all year long in the future. I want to thank everyone who has worked with DCP in this effort, including our first responders, law enforcement, our sister agencies, and our elected officials.”
“In 2018, the people of Connecticut disposed of more than 20 tons of unwanted medications through drop boxes and take back events such as this one. Keeping potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands is one way we can all help prevent opioid misuse,” said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “I urge everyone to take the time to go through their medications and dispose of any unwanted medications to help keep their loved ones and communities healthy and safe.”
Families can locate the drug drop box nearest to them by visiting www.ct.gov/dropbox, and can learn more about how to dispose of unneeded medication safely at home by watching this educational video.
Anyone who has questions about drug disposal, or would like to host a drug take back event at any time of year, can contact DCP’s Drug Control Division at dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov, or (860) 713-6065.
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Media Contacts
Department of Consumer Protection
Lora Rae Anderson
lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
Senator Richard Blumenthal
Chris Collibee
Chris_Collibee@blumenthal.senate.gov
(860) 258-6942 (office)
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Diana Shaw
diana.shaw@ct.gov
(860) 418-6967 (office)
(860) 558-0024 (cell)
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