The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council and the Shelton Police Department are sponsoring a prescription drug “take back” program Tuesday (Aug. 18) at 10:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center.
The goal is to unused prescription pills off the streets, according to Pamela Mautte, VSAAC director.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Shelton Police Department in this valuable effort to help educate seniors about the dangers of improper disposable of their medications and to offer viable alternatives to flushing their meds or throwing them into the trash where they can be stolen and misused,” Mautte said.
Residents should bring their medications in the original container. The labels may not be blacked out or torn.
“We’re also extremely grateful to the Valley Community Foundation for their support in helping us to develop this program that will benefit not only our elderly population, but also the entire community by keeping medications out of our water supply and off our streets.”
VSAAC is part of Birmingham Group Health Services, Inc.
The goal of the Drug Take Back Program is to collect unwanted and expired pharmaceuticals in an effort to:
- Prevent second hand use of prescription drugs (i.e. abuse by youth, family members, etc.)
- Reduce identity theft (tossing out of pill containers)
- Prevent water supply contamination
- Create an educational campaign that will increase awareness about the negative impact of improper disposal practices as well as safekeeping of medications
About the Valley Community Foundation
Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is dedicated to making the Valley a better place to live and work by increasing philanthropy, especially permanent endowments; connecting donors to needs and opportunities; and providing leadership on critical community issues.
It serves Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut and is located at 2 Enterprise Drive, Suite 303, in Shelton.
VCF is affiliated with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven which ensures that VCF funds will have the benefit of the authority and oversight of a local board, and will be administered efficiently and effectively by one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations.
In 2008, VCF awarded more than 170,000 in grants. For more information, visit the VCF Web site at www.valleyfoundation.org.
For more information about VSAAC and/or the Drug Take Back Program, call (203) 736‑8566, or visit www.vsaac.org.
