Three New Permanent Prescription Drug Take Back Boxes Installed

Granite United Way has partnered with Makin’ It Happen, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the Reilly Family to install three new permanent drug take back boxes in police stations in New Boston, Candia, and Deerfield, New Hampshire. These three locations are the first of several permanent locations for these prevention efforts.

Each year New Hampshire communities host drug take back days where residents can drop off expired and unused medications. Permanent prescription drug take back boxes provide a year-round, safe and convenient means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for misuse.  This effort helps to prevent substance misuse and has been used as a tool in prevention efforts across the state.

“Permanent drop boxes are an important prevention tool for our communities,” said Pam Santa Fe, Program Manager at Makin’ it Happen. “Makin’ it Happen applauds our police departments for taking those preventative measures to provide another safety resource for our communities.”

In addition to partnering with Makin’ It Happen, Granite United Way was able to engage long-time United Way supporters, Joe and Venetia Reilly, in the effort. The Reilly Family made a $100,000 gift dedicated to the opioid crisis and developing prevention efforts throughout the community. A portion of their gift enabled the installation of permanent take back boxes.

“By partnering with Makin’ It Happen and the Reilly Family, we worked with local law enforcement offices and were able to install the first of several permanent locations in the Greater Manchester region,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “Proper drug disposal in these permanent locations will help limit the potential for misuse, particularly among our youth.”