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 24th 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.
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.