Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
PROVIDENCE, RI – In observance of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Housing and Human Services Director Emily Freedman today announced safe opportunities for the disposal of expired or unused medication, which will occur on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10AM to 2PM at select locations throughout the City of Providence.
“My Administration is committed to reducing overdose deaths and supporting those struggling with addiction. Improving access to harm reduction services and reducing behavioral health care disparities requires a collaborative, multi-faceted approach. This initiative helps reduce the risks these medications pose for families in our City,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “I encourage everyone to visit their nearest take-back site for their safe disposal.”
Take-backs will be held at three locations:
· Walgreens Pharmacy located at 533 Elmwood Ave
· The Providence Public Safety Complex at 325 Washington Street
· Providence Community Health Center at 1 Randall Square
Rates of prescription drug misuse in the U.S. remain high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Approximately one in three overdoses continue to involve prescription drugs alone or in combination with illicit drugs. Due to these risks, Providence has maintained regular Prescription Drug Take-Back days, and residents can also dispose of unused or expired medications at the Providence Public Safety Complex at any time.