Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Efforts

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley will join Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez and Healthy Communities Acting Director Rachel Newman Greene on efforts to provide a safe opportunity for the disposal of expired or unused medication throughout Providence this upcoming Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10AM to 2PM at select locations, in observance of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

“My Administration is committed to reducing overdose deaths and supporting those struggling with substance use. This initiative helps reduce the risks these medications pose for families in our City,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “I encourage everyone to visit their nearest take-back site for their safe disposal.”

Take-backs will be held at four locations: Walgreens Pharmacy located at 533 Elmwood Ave, Providence, the Walgreens Pharmacy location at 295 Academy Ave, the Providence Public Safety Complex at 325 Washington Street, and at Roger Williams Park, Broad Street Entrance.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. That’s why Providence has continued to host regular Prescription Drug Take-Back days, and residents can always drop off unused and expired medications any time at the Providence Public Safety Complex.