Bring unused, expired medications to Drug Take-Back Day

The New Bedford Police Department encourages residents to drop off unused or expired medications from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at New Bedford Police headquarters, 871 Rockdale Ave., during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

By dropping off your medication Saturday, you can be assured that it will be disposed of safely. Prescription medicine abuse can be a serious problem, so careful, responsible disposal of medication that is no longer needed helps keep the community safe.

The event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

New Bedford Police Det. Kelly Almeida will be visiting two housing complexes to pick up unused or expired medications from residents who might be unable to attend the event in person.

Det. Almeida will visit Taber Mill Senior Apartments, 217 Deane St., from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 20 and Olympia Towers, 693 Purchase St., from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

Residents are encouraged to bring her their unused or expired medications during her visits.

Medications can also be dropped off year-round at the New Bedford Police headquarters, 871 Rockdale Ave., and the downtown police station, 572 Pleasant St. Accepted items include prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and veterinary medications.

Needles, syringes and lancets can be dropped off at three New Bedford locations: Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, 874 Purchase St., 508-992-6553; and two locations of Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1173 Acushnet Ave., 508-996-0546; and 589 South First St., 508-996-3147.

Call the locations for specific hours and additional information.

Sharps must be in a red biohazard container. New Bedford residents can pick up one free container at the health department, 1213 Purchase St., 508-999-2619.