This video appeared in the NBC Connecticut live broadcast on April 30, 2022.
The Village for Families & Children, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, the City of Hartford and its Department of Health and Human Services and Hartford Police Department partnered to hold a Drug Take Back Day event last Saturday as part of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Hartford residents were able to safely dispose around 70 pounds of unwanted and unused medications. In addition, to prescription medications and vapes, over-the-counter medications, medication samples, and medication for pets were accepted as part of the collected items. The event was hosted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in three convenient locations for the community: The Village South at 331 Wethersfield Avenue; Hartford Police Department located at 253 Hight Street; and, The Village Spring Street Family Center at 105 Spring Street.
“The Village is very pleased to play a role in ensuring that unused and expired prescription drugs are disposed of safely. These narcotics can pose a serious risk to families so it’s imperative we work together to get them out of homes and off the streets,” said Hector Glynn, Chief Operating Officer at The Village for Children & Families.
“United Way is proud to partner with the City of Hartford and The Village to help ensure that our community is safe and healthy. United Way brings different partners together to respond to pressing issues in our community, and the Hartford Drug Take Back Day is one key opportunity to do just that through our leadership role in the Local Prevention Council,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the community about potential for abuse of medications.
“Unwanted prescription drugs are best disposed of in a safe manner, to prevent accidental consumption and prevent substance abuse,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “Our thanks to the United Way, to The Village and our partners in the federal government for helping to make this event possible.”
Event attendees at The Village South location also received health services including: blood pressure screenings, vital screenings, COVID-19 vaccines, Narcan prescriptions as well as educational materials around immunizations and diabetes. Books and food were also available for the community.
“The Hartford Police Department was pleased to take part in Drug Take Back event, providing Hartford residents with a safe method to dispose of unwanted prescription medications,” said HPD Lieutenant Anthony Pia. “Some of these substances can prove dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands, particularly if they are ingested by children.”