On Saturday, Oct. 25, East Providence, Barrington, Warren and Bristol, along with their local police departments, hosted Drug Take Back Day, where community members stopped by and safely disposed of medications.

The purpose of Drug Take Back Day is to give people the opportunity to dispose of medications and also lessen the supply of unwanted or expired medications. 

“Having fewer medications (especially prescriptions) in our community decreases the chance of someone misusing or accidentally ingesting them,” stated a press release about the event. 

This year, the East Bay collected 338 pounds of medication, comprising more than 23 percent of the total weight of drugs collected throughout Rhode Island. More than 50 medication safety lock bags were also given out as a free resource to those who stopped by.

Bristol, East Providence and Barrington all have medication disposal boxes that are available all-day, every day, year-round. Lock bags can also be requested year round through the East Bay Regional Coalition or any local coalition.

To find a local medication disposal box or request a free lock bag, visit www.eastbayprevention.org/drug-safety.

For more information email e.bayprevention@gmail.com.

The East Bay Regional Coalition is one of seven community coalitions funded by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, & Hospitals.