Prescription Take-Back Day Set For Oct. 29

Rhode Island Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin announced on Oct. 21 that the annual prescription give-back day is scheduled for Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the  (1675 Flat River Rd., across from Town Hall) and 37 other locations around the state.

“Prescription drug abuse is quickly becoming a major epidemic in Rhode Island and across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more Rhode Islanders die from accidental prescription drug overdose than any other cause of death. And, the number of individuals — especially teenagers — who abuse prescription medication is growing,” said Kilmartin in a statement. “One way we can combat this growing epidemic is to provide residents with a safe way to discard outdated and unused prescription medications.”

Under the program, local officers will accept any unused or old prescriptions, no questions asked. The service is free and anonymous, Kilmartin's press release noted.

According to the statement, Rhode Islanders turned in more than 1,700 pounds of prescription drugs at 30 locations statewide during the most recent drive held in April.