On Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Westport Police Department will again partner with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for the twenty-fifth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day along with community partners at the Aspetuck Health District and Westport Together. The event will be held at the Aspetuck Health District located at 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), most people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that last year, more than 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year.

In the words of DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, “Take Back Day is a critical effort to curb the historic surge in U.S. overdoses. We know prevention starts at home. The simple step of clearing out medications that are no longer needed makes our homes safer, prevents prescription drug misuse, and, ultimately, can help save lives.” In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Please join the Westport Police Department in doing our part to help continue the success of this vital initiative. Please note that collection sites cannot accept illicit drugs, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Vape pens where the batteries can be removed can be disposed of at the drug take back. Vape pens where batteries cannot be removed will not be accepted at the drug take back. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Residents are also reminded that a year-round collection bin is installed in the lobby of Westport police headquarters, where prescription drugs can be properly disposed of at any time rather than waiting for designated collection dates.