No-contact Drug Take Back program set for October 24

MELISSA (October 8, 2020) Notwithstanding the difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the Melissa Police Department is once again offering to accept old, outdated, or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs and medications and safely dispose of them free of charge.

                Residents can participate in the Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by bringing these items to the Melissa City Hall lobby, 3411 Barker Ave.

“Whether the drugs and medications are purchased over-the-counter at a local grocery store or they’re prescribed by medical professionals, they can present a challenge when it comes to disposing them safely,” says Police Chief Duane Smith. “That’s why we offer the Drug Take Back event. We ensure that these substances are properly disposed of, preventing them from being abused or carelessly discarded.”  

                The free service will require no contact between officers and participants as receptacles will be placed in the City Hall lobby. Nevertheless, the receptacles will be constantly monitored to ensure they remain undisturbed. Participants are asked to wear face coverings and enter the City Hall lobby through the main entry on the eastern side of the building, facing Hwy 5.     

                The service is anonymous, as no one will be asked questions regarding the medications.  

                The program is not intended for illicit or illegal drugs or paraphernalia. Needles, syringes and pressurized inhalers will not be accepted.  

                “Unwanted drugs and medications need to be properly disposed of for many reasons, but especially to prevent them from being abused,” said Chief Smith. “Statistics from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency show that over 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers get them through friends or relatives right out of the family medicine cabinet.”

                Also, people who flush prescription drugs down their toilets or sinks may be placing the community at risk since the contaminants may eventually find their way back into the community’s drinking water.

                For more information on the program, residents may call the program’s coordinator, Officer Brandi Davidson at 972-838-1392 or via email at bdavidson@cityofmelissa.com.