April 27th National Drug Takeback Day and Westport Wellness Fair Press Release

Westport, CT- On behalf of the Westport Police Department, Westport Center for Senior Activities and Positive Directions, First Selectwomen Jennifer Tooker announces a new addition to the Town’s 2024 Annual Drug Takeback Day to include a Wellness Fair sponsored by Positive Directions.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 27th from 10 am to 2 pm

WHERE: Westport Center for Senior Activities (27 Imperial Avenue)

The DEA and the Westport Police Department will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

A clear and present public health issue, drug overdose is an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, a total of 100,105 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, an all-time high. Organizers say the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Residents are encouraged to bring their expired and unwanted medications to the Senior Center on Saturday for safe disposal by the Westport Police Department, and to stay for some Wellness fun afterwards.

For the first time in Westport, Drug Takeback Day will be offering a variety of wellness activities and resources. Residents are encouraged to get their “check up from the neck up” (free behavioral health screening) as well as check on their blood pressure. Visitors can also enjoy a sensory table for relaxation and get nutrition tips and tidbits.

Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention tips, and gambling awareness materials. In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, a non-alcoholic beverage tasting will be available courtesy of Athletic Brewing.

The Town gladly recognizes the following agencies for providing resources at this wellness fair: Positive Directions, Westport Police, Westport Human Services and Westport’s Center for Senior Activities, Aspetuck Health District, The Hub, Liberation Programs, High Focus Centers, Michele Didner, Waveny Care Center, and the Westport Prevention Coalition.

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For over 50 years, Positive Directions–an established nonprofit 501(c)(3)--has served Fairfield County & Connecticut as a leading authority in behavioral health, including counseling and prevention services. Our core purpose is to support individuals & families in need and improve our communities by creating a healthy and positive environment that fosters mental wellbeing.

In partnership with Westport Human Services, Positive Directions coordinates the Westport Prevention Coalition, which works to prevent substance misuse across the lifespan through educational and environmental initiatives. To learn more about the Westport Prevention Coalition: https://www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition

To learn more about Positive Directions visit: www.positivedirections.org