Drop-off sites located throughout county
On Saturday, October 24, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Sponsored by public health coalitions, the Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Vaping devices and cartridges can also be turned in if the batteries have been removed.
Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, Spring 2020 Prescription Drug Take Back Day, originally scheduled in April, had been cancelled. However, medication return boxes remained available for drop-off throughout Windsor County.
Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County says that with Covid-19 precautions in place, he is pleased to see the October 24 takeback day proceed.
“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” he said.
“A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends,” Chamberlain added. “Through this program, we’re helping save lives. All of our usual take-back drop off locations will now be open on Takeback Day,” he said. “People just need to remember to wear masks and practice social distancing when in public.”
Where to go:
The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 24th: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; Woodstock Police Department; Royalton State Police Barracks; Royalton Police Department; and Norwich Police Department.
Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units.
In October 2019, Vermonters set a record turning in more than 3.5 tons of unused, unwanted and expired medication at over 60 collection sites throughout the state.
Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units.
In October 2019, Vermonters set a record turning in more than 3.5 tons of unused, unwanted and expired medication at over 60 collection sites throughout the state.
According to the Vermont Dept. of Health, the state has seen an increase of fatal opioid overdoses in 2020 with 82 opioid fatalities as of July 2020 compared to 60 fatalities as of July 2019.
Green Peak Alliance Community Outreach Specialist, Courtney Hillhouse states that with increased isolation and stress caused by the pandemic, “it’s more important than ever to prevent the misuse of potentially harmful medications.”
Medication-return venues are supported in part by Green Peak Alliance, a coalition of prevention partners and law enforcement working together to reduce prescription drug abuse and underage drinking.
At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock. For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.
In addition, the Vermont Department of Health provides free prescription medication mail back envelopes: Medication in its original container or in a sealed bag is placed inside the pre- addressed envelope and mailed off to be destroyed. Mail back envelopes are available at many police departments, libraries, vet offices, and town clerks offices in Windsor County, and can also be ordered online at https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol- drugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal
For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.
Established in 2018, Green Peak Alliance is a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont. We bring federal and state resources to local areas in our work with schools and service organizations. Through research, education, and outreach, we create conditions to positively influence the public by increasing youth assets and reducing risks.
