Livingston, New Jersey – The Livingston Police Department medication drop box project supported by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) considered a success!
A report from ADAPT indicated that the medication drop box project in the lobby of Livingston Police Department was a success. Within just 3 months, the project was able to gather 274 pounds of unwanted and old medications, an indication that residents did not hesitate to use the disposal site, which was only introduced by the end of June. The permanent disposal site was likewise considered by residents as an urgent care near me in the area.
ADAPT’s Senior Coordinator Joel Torres said Livingston residents received the drop box very well, considering the growing issue of prescription medication abuse and misuse in New Jersey, Essex County, and throughout the country.
Torres added indications of young people who abuse prescription medication followed by heroin use and other cheaper drug alternatives. Thus, the drop box project served as an urgent care clinic among the youth as well. The senior coordinator also emphasized that awareness of proper medication disposal is important as others throw them in trash bins or flush them in the toilets, which pose health hazards and risks. Family members are protected through the drop box, as well as the environment.
The medication drop box project in Livingston was a joint effort between the Livingston Police Department, Livingston Municipal Alliance, and ADAPT, although it’s only one out of six in Essex County.
Torres pointed out the success in Livingston, hoping for other communities in Essex County to be motivated in making the same efforts. Medication drop boxes are becoming visible and available across the country’s police stations as people are becoming concerned about unused medications. Thus, the drop box served as an urgent care in addressing such issue.
Officials have been urging residents to drop off their unused prescription medications, old medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs only in the Police lobby drop box as no other drop boxes have been situated in urgent care clinics or elsewhere. Without question or any requirements, residents can drop off such items 24/7.
ADAPT is managed by FAMILYConnections, a community coalition dedicated to reducing drug abuse and underage drinking in Essex County. It is also a non-profit organization that provides counseling and family services. The medication drop box project in Livingston is only one among other programs of ADAPT supported by other advocates.
