The Alternative Press

Sussex County residents can help prevent unused or unwanted medications from falling into the hands of those who might abuse them.

For too many New Jerseyans, addiction begins in the medicine cabinet. Project Medicine Drop, an initiative of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and participating law enforcement agencies is an important component of New Jersey’s effort to halt the abuse and help prevent the dangers associated with the diversion of prescription drugs.

We are very pleased to announce that, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Newton Police Department and the Center for Prevention and Counseling, Project Medicine Drop is coming to Sussex County.  Having recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Division of Consumer Affairs, the Newton Police Department will have the county’s first "prescription drug drop box" installed in its headquarters in the coming months.  The box will allow members of the public to safely and securely dispose of unused and/or expired medications anonymously, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

This initiative builds on the success of semiannual countywide prescription drug collection days, which the Center for Prevention and Counseling’s Prescription Drug Task Force has been coordinating since its formation 2008.  This group of concerned citizens created a strategic plan utilizing environmental strategies to specifically address access. The task force designed and implemented New Jersey’s first prescription drug disposal day, based on Operation Medicine Cabinet being done in a Florida county, after a countywide drug survey showed an alarming spike in 12^th graders abuse of narcotic painkillers.  In cooperation with the New Jersey Drug Enforcement Agency; local law enforcement agencies, including the Newton Police Department; businesses; and pharmacies, thousands of pounds of unwanted over-the-counter and prescription drugs, have been collected at locations throughout the county over the past four years. 

Working with the staff from the Center for Prevention and Counseling, Chief Richards has been very proactive in obtaining a prescription drug drop box for the county seat, to give Sussex County residents the ability to safely dispose of unwanted medication as soon as possible, rather than storing it until the next disposal event. They’re looking forward to receiving and installing the box and promoting its use in Sussex County.  For more details on this initiative, contact Chief Michael Richards of the Newton Police Department at 973-383-2525.