FIRST RESPONDERS TO HOST DRUG TAKE-BACK EVENTS SATURDAY

Multiple police and fire departments on Saturday will host drug take-back events in conjunction with a national effort.

In Old Lyme, the event is taking place at the Lyme Street Fire House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People can help prevent misuse of prescription drugs by cleaning out their medicine cabinets and dropping off unwanted drugs, a news release for the event states. The disposal of prescription pain medications, tranquilizers and stimulants (ADHD medications), which are potentially addictive and are the most commonly misused, is especially encouraged.

Residents can visit the state Department of Consumer Protection website, bit.ly/CTDCP, to learn where to drop off unwanted medications at any time.

The Old Lyme event is sponsored by the town’s resident state trooper, Drug Enforcement Administration, CASFY-Coalition for Substance Free Youth, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau and Old Lyme Fire Department.

“Last year over 900 people in Connecticut died from drug overdoses. People who died were using heroin, synthetic fentanyl or opioid prescription medications. The numbers keep increasing,” the release states. “Studies show that youth intent on misusing prescription drugs get them first from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.”

Other nearby locations hosting a drug-take back session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday include: Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road Ledyard Police Station, 737 Colonel Ledyard Highway

New London Police Station, 5 Governor Winthrop Blvd. (event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Stonington Police Station, 173 South Broad St.