Towns Work Together on Drug Give Back Day, Discussion

Prescription drugs may not be the first form of substance abuse on the minds of parents. But the medicine cabinets and closets of family and friends can often be a target for people looking to get a high.

To help with the problem, police departments in Canton, Avon and Simsbury are working with social service agencies, drug prevention groups, pharmacies and the state Drug Control Unit on a Drug Give Back Day and follow-up discussion. The give back is set for 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 in the parking lot of Simsbury Commons near Walgreens.

Residents can hand in old, expired or unwanted prescription drugs – "no questions asked.” Over-the-counter medications will also be accepted. 

"This cooperative multi-disciplinary project with Canton, Avon and Simsbury Police, our towns' social service agencies, and area pharmacies serves a dual purpose of preventing access to prescription medication by our teenage sons or daughters and provides an environmentally safe disposal process," Canton Police Chief Christopher G. Arciero said in a press release.

In addition to the safety aspect, the goal is also to keep drugs out of the water supply. Flushing them, for example, is actually not good for the environment, according to conservationists.

"By partnering with the Avon and Canton police departments, and local pharmacies to provide this service we prevent these prescription drugs from being used inappropriately by the elderly or the young and we make sure that they are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner," Simsbury Police Chief Peter N. Ingvertsen said.

Arciero said the effort has truly been cooperative. Social Services agencies and drug awareness groups in all three towns are participating and have agreed to split the approximate $600 cost to properly dispose the non-controlled substances.

Avon's Chief Mark Rinaldo said in a release, "The controlled prescription medication will be turned over to the State of Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division and the non-controlled prescription medications will be disposed of by a certified waste disposal company."

And the effort is also one of cooperation

"I just thought it was a great idea for a joint effort," said Arciero, who added that he believes this has not been done in the area.

And the program is one of awareness as well. In a press release Canton police point to a recent survey that shows seven of 10 most common drugs teenagers abuse are prescription medicines.

To continue the discussion and awareness, a follow-up discussion will be held at Canton High School Feb. 2, 2011 at 7 pm.

Mary Marcuccio of Parents 4 A Change will discuss the things parents can do to help keep the drugs away from children and the possible signs of abuse.

Many abusers find the drugs in medicine cabinets of family and friends.

"She'll be speaking about some of the proactive things parents can do," said Sue Saidel, who chairs Canton's Substance Abuse Council/Community of Concern.