The Avalon Police Department will participate in a statewide program designed to safely remove unwanted and expired prescription drugs from the community. “Operation Take Back New Jersey” will be held on Saturday, September 25th, from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, in Avalon.
“Operation Take Back New Jersey” will be conducted under a grant provided by the United States Department of Justice, and by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This safe, voluntary disposal program will help prevent prescription medications from falling into the hands of minors or making their way into the illicit market in local communities.
Dozens of police departments throughout the state of New Jersey will participate in this program. “Many residents have unwanted or expired prescriptions inside their homes”, Chief Dean said. “This is an excellent opportunity to eliminate these drugs from your home while at the same time preventing these drugs from getting into the hands of people who should not have them”.
Several New Jersey county prescription drug abuse task forces and focus groups have recognized the need for efficient, secure and environmentally sound methods to collect and dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medicine. According to the most recent studies (Monitoring the Future, University of Michigan) between 1997 and 2007, treatment admissions for prescription painkillers increased 400 percent. In addition, between 2004 and 2008, the number of visits to hospital emergency department involving the non-medical use of narcotic painkillers increased 111 percent.
