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Community Corner

Second Drug Disposal Event Planned by Sudbury CRANE (Community Resource Awareness Network) and the Sudbury Police Department

Help prevent drug abuse in our community! On Saturday, April 26, 2014, Sudbury CRANE and the Sudbury Police Department are sponsoring a Drug Disposal Event from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Sudbury DPW Complex located at 275 Old Lancaster Road, Sudbury. As part of National Drug Prescription Take-Back Day, this is an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted and expired drugs in a responsible manner.

 

Bring your unwanted or expired prescription medications, controlled substances, over the counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and pet medications for secure and confidential disposal. Please place these items in a clear plastic bag or plastic containers. Items do not have to be in their original containers. Sudbury CRANE volunteers will accept the drugs, and police will be on site to secure the drugs and to ensure proper disposal.

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This event is very important because, according to the advocacy organization Foundation for a Drug-Free World, more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs, more than the combined number who reported abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin. The Centers for Disease Control consider prescription drug abuse an epidemic, and in March, Governor Deval Patrick declared a public health emergency in Massachusetts in response to the growing number of people who have died from addiction to painkillers.

 

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Among young people ages 12-17,  prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug behind marijuana. Teens 12-17 have the highest annual rates of prescription drug abuse after young adults ages 18-25. Every day, 2500 teenagers use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Most teens say it is easy to get prescription drugs at home, and there is a correlation between illegal prescription drug abuse and heroin use. Many people who start abusing painkillers and other medications often find themselves turning to heroin for a cheaper, stronger high. Drug collection events like this one help to ensure that teens do not have access to powerful prescription narcotics that could lead them to addiction.

 

For those who are unable to participate in the April 26th Drug Take-Back Day, the Sudbury Police Department now has a permanent drug disposal kiosk located in the lobby of the Sudbury Police Station. Unwanted drugs may be dropped off confidentially in the kiosk at any time.

 

According to Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix, “The Sudbury Police Department continues to seek positive partnerships to further benefit the health and safety of our youth, CRANE is one of those partnerships.  I appreciate the support provided by CRANE members for events such as the April 26th Drug Take Back Event.  Our first event, held in October of 2013, resulted in 191 pounds of medications being disposed of properly to prevent adverse effects to the environment but more importantly out of reach of children.”

 

Sudbury Community Resource Network (CRANE) members are happy to be able to help with this important community program. CRANE was established to help our community deal with issues facing youth and their families. As part of our mission CRANE hosts community events like the Drug Disposal Program. For further information about CRANE, to contact us, and to find appropriate resources for youth and family support, please visit www.cranehelp.org

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