Allston Brighton Drug Collection Kiosk
Helen Connolly
Permanent Drug Collection Kiosk Installed in Brighton
National Prescription Drug Prevention Day Observed on May 14
May 9, 2013
BRIGHTON, Mass. -- After several successful Safe Medication Collection events, the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force (ABSATF) is pleased to announce a permanent collection option for residents looking to safely and easily dispose of prescription and non-prescription medication. In the lobby of the Boston Police Department D-14 at 301 Washington in Brighton, residents will find a self-serve MedReturn Kiosk, available for all to use at no charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No questions will be asked.
The kiosks were purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services and coordinated through a partnership between the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as a way to provide a safe, effective, and sustainable way to dispose of substances.
“In partnership with the Boston Police Department D-14, we have held five medication collection events over the last two years, but the kiosk addresses the need for a permanent, convenient disposal option for residents,” said Helen Connolly, project manager for ABSATF. “Our mission is to prevent drug abuse in our community, especially in youth, and this kiosk is a major step in that effort.”
By disposing of expired and unwanted medication in the kiosk, it keeps potentially harmful substances away from youth. Abuse of medications such as narcotic painkillers and cough medicine is escalating, and the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives. Proper disposal also ensures that substances do not pollute the environment, especially the water supply as can be the case when drugs are flushed down the toilet.
Prescription and non-prescription medications, including pills, liquids in leak-proof bottles, and inhalers can be deposited in the kiosk. Pet medications can also be dropped into the kiosk. Residents should bring the medication in the original container with personal information blacked out or in a sealed, clear, plastic bag. Needles (sharps) cannot go into the kiosk. To learn more about safe disposal, and for an interactive map of kiosk locations, visit www.bphc.org/DrugTakeBack
About the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force
The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force is a coalition of community agencies and residents that mobilizes youth, families, community members and leaders to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth and adults in our community. For more information, visit www.abdrugfree.org.
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Kathleen Hammitt
Hi Helen,
Brighton Marine Health Center is always happy to help. We will be adding to our elevator advertisements and also to our Main Lobby TV monitor the information that you provided about the permanent collection option that has been established for residents in Brighton that are looking to safely and easily dispose of prescription and non-prescription medication. See below:
Thanks,
Kathleen
Kathleen Hammitt
Executive Administrative Assistant
Brighton Marine Health Center, Inc.
R.E. Hawes Medical Building
77 Warren Street - Executive Office/7th Floor
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 562-5222 (Direct)
(617) 562-5233 (Fax)
Kathlee...@Brighton-Marine.org
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