More than a ton of drugs was collected at 18 drop-off locations in Hampshire and Franklin counties and Athol on Oct. 26 as part of the 18th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
A total of 1,762 pounds was collected in Hampshire County, and 346 pounds in Franklin County and Athol, according to a press release from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Collection sites were hosted at Greenfield, Deerfield, Sunderland, Montague and Leverett police stations in Franklin County.
This year’s total brings the amount collected in the region through drug take back days and permanent drop-off boxes since 2011 to more than 54,000 pounds.
“This was a great result,” Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan said. “Getting unwanted and unused drugs out of people’s homes, where they can be accessed by children and other people who could misuse them, is one way we can all help combat the opioid crisis.”