Drug Take Back Pulls in 224 Pounds

PUTNAM --- Putnam’s Prescription Drug Take Back pulled an amount of prescription medications not seen in years. Justin Lussier, Putnam Police deputy chief, said 224 pounds of medications were turned in.

Romeo Blackmar, Substance Abuse Program Director, Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, said the take back hasn’t broken the 150-pounmd mark in the last several take backs.

He added that 53 vehicles came through the take back held at the Farmers Market Pavilion off Kennedy Drive April 22. He said they were busy the entire time.

Blackmar said those dropping off medications were very appreciative of the program. The DEA program is held in April and October. He heard “thank you for doing this” many times.

“The most poignant remarks were from those who were turning in medications that were no longer needed because a loved one was either in remission or cured!  Those were the best comments, knowing that the medications they turned in did what they were intended to accomplish.

Blackmar said turning in unused and expired medications serves several purposes.  “This is “harm reduction” as well as a safety issue.  The amount of medications turned in reflects the concerns that the community has for possible misuse of prescription medications and how they are helping to promote a ‘Safe, Friendly and Healthy Community’.”

The town also has a bin in the Putnam Police Department lobby that is available 24/7/365 for dropping off prescription medications.