Tag: Drug Enforcement Agency

Drug Take-Back Day Slated for April 30, 2022 | Press Release

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date April 30, 2022

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, April 30^th, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County.

“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” said Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. “We look forward to participating in Take-Back Day again this spring as part of our continuing effort to protect the health and safety of Windsor County residents.”

Supported by public health coalitions, Take-Back Day aims to prevent prescription drug abuse, a growing problem in the U.S. that claims lives through overdoses and accidental poisonings. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units. Windsor County’s efforts align with VT Department of Health’s “Do Your Part” campaign – asking residents safely use, store, and properly dispose of any unused or expired medications.

Residents participating in Drug Take back on April 30^th have the opportunity to learn more about permanent collection such as locations of drop boxes, hours of operation, and what medication types are accepted.

Where to go

The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30^th: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; and Norwich Police Department, Royalton Police Department, and Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s office is hosting the collection for Woodstock given that Woodstock Police Department is under construction.

The Take Back Day and Permanent Collection services are free to use. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont.

In October of 2021, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 452 pounds of medications collected. At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock (post construction). For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.

For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Windsor County Sheriff's Department

Events Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Slated for October 23, 2021 | Press Release

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date October 23, 2021

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, October 23^rd, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County.

“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” said Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County. “We look forward to participating in Take-Back Day again this fall as part of our continuing effort to protect the health and safety of Windsor County residents.”

Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units. Windsor County’s efforts align with those of the state in encouraging Vermonters to drop off unused or expired medications. Green Peak Alliance coordinator, Courtney Hillhouse states, “To prevent misuse, we want everyone to know how to safely use and store medications and dispose of unused or expired medicine.”

Residents participating in Drug Take back on October 23^rd have the opportunity to learn more about permanent collection such as locations of drop boxes, hours of operation, and what medication types are accepted.

Where to go

The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 23^rd: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; Woodstock Police Department; Royalton Police Department; and Norwich Police Department.

The Take Back Day and Permanent Collection services are free. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont.

In April 2021, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 604 pounds of medications collected. At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock. For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.

For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Public Health, Windsor County Sheriff's Department

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Windsor County Brings in 604 Pounds of Unwanted Medications | Press Release

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date May 4, 2021

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY—On April 24, 2021 Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with local and state police, again participated in the DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, resulting in 604 pounds of disposed medications collected throughout Windsor County for incineration.

“Take-Back” efforts began in 2010 as stand-alone disposal events occurring twice a year. Since then, many police departments and pharmacies across Windsor County, the state, and the nation have installed permanent drug collection units, assisting in medication returns year-round.

This year, Captain Claude Weyant oversaw the Department’s Take Back Day efforts. “In general it went well, and we had a huge amount of returned medications – 604 pounds in Windsor County,” Weyant said. “As we advertise the Take Back Day program, and people participate in the program by taking drugs to their police departments, they realize that many of these departments have permanent collection boxes. This brings people back at any time to dispose of any medications they have. The public is becoming more aware that it’s important to dispose of these medications, and that safe disposal is easy.”

Windsor County’s April 24^th collection sites yielded the following quantities: Chester PD #43.24; DEA-Hartford PD #9.50; Hartford PD #102.16; Ludlow PD #30.72; Norwich PD #11; Royalton PD #63.24; Springfield PD #105.36; Vermont State Police – Royalton #47.91; Weathersfield Transfer Station #29.50; Windsor PD #78.07; Woodstock PD #83.50. The total for the state of Vermont was 7,165.

Law Enforcement officials, Healthcare professionals, and Green Peak Alliance (GPA) encourage adults to lock their medications as they need them or to properly dispose of unused medications safely. For information on proper use, storage, and disposal of prescription medications, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.

In addition, the Vermont Department of Health provides free prescription medication mail back envelopes: Medication in its original container or in a sealed bag is placed inside the preaddressed envelope and mailed off to be destroyed. Mail back envelopes are available at many police departments, libraries, vet offices, and town clerks offices in Windsor County and can also be ordered online at www.healthvermont.gov/alcoholdrugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal.

Established in 2018, Green Peak Alliance is a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont and includes the Vermont Department of Health District Offices of White River Junction and Springfield. We bring federal and state resources to local areas in our work with schools and service organizations. Through research, education, and outreach, we create conditions to positively influence the public by increasing youth assets and reducing risks.

Green Peak Alliance consists of organizations that work to prevent substance misuse. Our members are connected to regional planning partners, law enforcement, schools, and service organizations. Our projects include substance misuse prevention education, prescription medication take-back initiatives, health policy and increasing positive activities and supports for youth.

For more information visit https://greenpeakalliance.org and on Facebook @greenpeakalliance.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Public Health, Windsor County Sheriff's Department

Events Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Slated for April 24, 2021

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date April 24, 2021

Press Release

Drop-off sites located throughout county

WINDSOR COUNTY— On Saturday, April 24^th, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, local and state law enforcement agencies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Take-Back Day event is free and anonymous, no questions asked, with drop-off sites located throughout Windsor County.

“Rates of prescription drug abuse in this country are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” said Sheriff Mike Chamberlain of Windsor County. “We look forward to participating in Take-Back Day again this spring as part of our continuing effort to protect the health and safety of Windsor County residents.”

Since inception of the Take Back Days, towns across Windsor County and the State have worked diligently to expand access to permanent drug collection units. Windsor County’s efforts align with those of the state in encouraging Vermonters to drop off unused or expired medications. Green Peak Alliance coordinator, Courtney Hillhouse states that, “To prevent misuse, we want everyone to know how to safely use, store, and dispose of unused or expired medicine.”

Residents participating in Drug Take back on April 24^th have the opportunity to learn more about permanent collection such as locations of drop boxes, hours of operation, and what medication types are accepted.

Where to go

The following locations in Windsor County will serve as drop-off sites on Take-Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24^th: Chester Police Department; Windsor Police Department; Weathersfield Transfer Station (operated by the Weathersfield Police Department); Springfield Police Department; Ludlow Police Department; Hartford Police Department; Woodstock Police Department; Royalton State Police Barracks; Royalton Police Department; and Norwich Police Department.

In October2020, Windsor County Deputies emptied drop boxes at local police stations and took for incineration 439 pounds of medications collected. At any time throughout the year, households in Windsor County may take advantage of the permanent drop-boxes in the lobbies of the following Police Departments: Chester, Hartford, Ludlow, Royalton, Springfield, Windsor, and Woodstock. For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.

For more information about Take-Back Day, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Public Health, Windsor County Sheriff's Department

Media News

Windsor County Brings in 439 Pounds of Unwanted Medications | Press Release

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date October 24, 2020

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY—On October 24, 2020 Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with local and state police, again participated in the DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, resulting in 439 pounds of disposed medications collected throughout Windsor County for incineration.

“Take-Back” efforts began in 2012 as stand-alone disposal events occurring twice a year. Since then, many police departments and pharmacies across Windsor County, the state, and the nation have installed permanent drug collection units, assisting in medication returns year-round. The spring take back event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Windsor County Sherriff Michael Chamberlain has been instrumental in keeping the take back efforts going. Normally, the Sheriff’s Department collects the disposed-of medication and brings it to DEA officials to weigh. The medication is then taken for incineration by the DEA. Sherriff Chamberlain helps in arranging the collection and incineration of medications collected. “We want to encourage everyone to get rid of their medications, get them out of the house. The collection efforts help to keep dangerous medications out of the hands of people who struggle with substance use disorders,” he said. This year, Captain Claude Weyant oversaw the Department’s Take Back Day efforts. “In general it went well, and we had a huge amount of returned medications – 439 pounds in Windsor County,” Weyant said. “As we advertise the TakeBack Day program, and people participate in the program by taking drugs to their police departments, they realize that many of these departments have permanent collection boxes. This brings people back at any time to dispose of any drugs they have. The public is becoming more aware that it’s important to dispose of these medications, and that safe disposal is easy.”

Windsor County’s October 24^th collection sites yielded the following quantities: Chester PD #18; Hartford PD #86.68; Ludlow PD #17.5; Norwich PD #42; Springfield PD #40.5; Weathersfield Transfer Station #19.5; Windsor PD #99.5; Woodstock PD #115.5. The total for the state of Vermont was #4,498.

Law Enforcement officials, Healthcare professionals, and Green Peak Alliance encourage adults to lock their medications as they need them or to properly dispose of unused medications safely. For information on proper use, storage, and disposal of prescription medications, visit: www.twinstatesafemeds.org.

For more information ,visit https://greenpeakalliance.org and on Facebook @greenpeakalliance.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, Green Peak Alliance, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Public Health, Windsor County Sheriff's Department

Events Media News

Drug Take-Back Day Canceled for April 25, 2020 | Press Release

Post author By Green Peak Alliance
Post date April 25, 2020

Press Release

WINDSOR COUNTY— Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Spring 2020 Prescription Drug Take Back Day, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25^th, has been canceled. However, there are still opportunities to return unwanted or expired medications. Medication return boxes are available for drop-off throughout Windsor and Orange Counties. Mail back envelopes for medications are also available.

Supported by public health coalitions, drop off boxes and medication return envelopes aim to prevent prescription drug abuse, a growing problem in the U.S. that claims lives through overdoses and accidental poisonings. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Where to go

The following locations serve as drop-off sites: Green Mountain Pharmacy, Greater Falls Pharmacy, Ludlow Pharmacy, Springfield Pharmacy, Gifford Health Care, Chester Police, Hartford Police, Ludlow Police, Royalton Police, Springfield Police, Windsor Police, Woodstock Police.

Mail back envelope displays at: Chester Food Pantry, Black River Good Neighbors, Neighborhood Connections, Springfield Medical Care System clinics, Senior Solutions,

Town Halls – Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Grafton, Londonderry, Ludlow, Plymouth, Springfield, Weston. Libraries – Chester, Ludlow, Springfield, Hartland, Windsor, Norwich. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center: Outpatient Clinic Waiting Room, Specialty Clinic Waiting Room (Prof. Building upstairs), MAHHC inpatient Pharmacy. Also available at, Ottauquechee Health Center clinic waiting room, and the Teago store in Pomfret.

The permanent collection and mail back envelope services are free. Powders and patches are accepted in addition to pills and capsules. Anonymous pre-paid envelopes go directly to the DEA for incineration. Medication return venues are supported in part by the Green Peak Alliance, a regional network that promotes healthy communities in East Central Vermont.

For more information, visit dea.gov or call the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department at (802) 457-5211.

Tags Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Prevention, Public Health