(VERNON, Connecticut) – People from Vernon and beyond can safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription and over the counter medications during a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 188 Union Street in the Rockville section of Vernon.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is hosted by the Vernon Rocks Coalition, Vernon Police and Walgreens.
Unused and unwanted prescription drugs can be misused, and properly disposing of them can prevent people from becoming addicted or overdosing. Opioid deaths have increased during the pandemic and getting rid of unneeded medications is a way to cut into that grievous toll.
“This is a great way for people to get these unwanted medications out of their homes,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Youth Services Director. “By going through your cabinets and finding medications you no longer need or use, we can potentially save lives and prevent addiction.”
Emily Guerrero, a recent Rockville High School graduate and Vernon ROCKS member, said the take back event also accepts vapes and e-cigarettes.
“These devices are used by some of peers and are not healthy,” Guerrero said. “Drug Take Back Day is a chance for young adults to take that important first step toward quitting vaping.”
During the past four years, there has been a 59 percent increase in the amount of unwanted prescription medications collected in Vernon, said Cassandra Schend, program coordinator for the Village for Families and Children and Vernon Rocks.
“We really want to continue to see this number grow,” Schend said. “The more prescription medications we collect, the more we do to prevent prescription misuse.”
Although Vernon police are co-sponsors of the event, people can drop off medications no questions asked.
“Our goal is keep our community safe and one way to do that is to give people the opportunity to properly and safely dispose of these unneeded medications,” said police Lt. William Meier. “And if people cannot make it Saturday, unwanted medications can be placed in the drop off box inside the lobby of police headquarters at any time.”
In addition to prescription and over the counter drugs, people can dispose of vapes at the event. Batteries should be removed first.
About the Vernon Rocks Coalition
Vernon ROCKS is a collaboration of community stakeholders, parents, youth, and volunteers, whose focus is to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol in Vernon’s youth by promoting protective factors and decreasing risk factors that contribute to substance use.
About the Town of Vernon
The Town of Vernon is a celebrated place to live, work and visit. From its beautiful parks and lakes, to its vast trails and historic homes and buildings, Vernon is a resilient and thriving community that promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents and values the natural environment. With a resident population of approximately 30,000 and occupying 18.03 square miles, Vernon combines a balanced appreciation of history, and a strong economic base for growth, both residential and commercial. Located 15 minutes east of the Connecticut capital of Hartford, and 25 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Town of Vernon is strategically located in “New England's Knowledge Corridor” with close proximity to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.
Recently designated as a certified Sustainable Community, the Town of Vernon offers a wide range of benefits and services to its residents. The Town of Vernon is a full-service municipality that practices a management philosophy of continuous quality improvement. To learn more about the Town of Vernon, please call (860) 870- 3670 or visit www.vernon-ct.gov.