Town again joining Prescription Drug Take Back initiative

By PETE FONTAINE

“This is no undercover operation,” said Daniel O. Parrillo, who serves as deputy chief of the Johnston Police Department and director of the town’s Emergency Management Agency. “This is an important event that has helped get rid of drugs.”

Parrillo was speaking about the ongoing effort to help people dispose of unwanted, expired prescription drugs in a legal manner.

It’s called the National Prescription Drug Take Back Program. Police will again host a local site on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Johnston Senior Center, located at 1291 Hartford Ave.

“This began as an annual event that is now held several times throughout the year because of its success and popularity,” Parrillo said.

“This is a responsible way of disposing of any and all drugs as well a way to educate the public about the potential for abuse. We encourage all Johnston residents who may have prescription drugs and other medications that have expired to participate in Saturday’s Drug Take Back so they can be properly and legally disposed of. Please remember, though, needles and syringes cannot and will not be accepted.”

Parrillo, who has coordinated other such programs in years past, added: “If people are not able to bring those items to the senior center Saturday, we have a prescription mediation drop-off container inside the police headquarters at 1651 Atwood Ave.”

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Parrillo noted, “has an ongoing effort through this Drug Take Back program to keep those drugs out of the wrong hands and out of our water supply.”

He said once all the drugs are collected at a location like the Johnston Senior Center, they are taken to an undisclosed location where DEA officials are waiting and have an incinerator.