HARTFORD – Ahead of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day tomorrow, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) today urged Connecticut residents to return their unused or expired prescription medications to one of the 71 collection sites located around the state. The collection of drugs and substances will reduce the amount of unneeded medicine in people’s homes and decrease the rate of prescription drug abuse. Individuals can locate a collection center near their home by clicking here.  

“The more prescription pills we can take out of our medicine cabinets, the fewer Connecticut families who are torn apart by prescription drug and opioid addiction. It’s that simple,” said Murphy. “I’ve gotten to know the ins-and-outs of Connecticut’s opioid epidemic and it’s clear that we have a serious crisis in our hands. We should be doing everything we can to eliminate the risk of drugs getting into the hands of the wrong person. I hope everyone does their part tomorrow by returning their unneeded medications.”

In the effort to combat the United States’ growing opioid addiction epidemic, Murphy has called on Congress to pass his bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act, which will expand federal resources and improve coordination for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Murphy is also a cosponsor of the TREAT Act to expand access to medication-assisted treatment, and has urged the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that those seeking treatment for addiction have greater access to medication-assisted treatment. Most recently, Murphy spent a “Day in the Life” meeting with patients, health professionals, law enforcement, and advocates around Connecticut to learn firsthand how he can improve federal efforts to combat Connecticut’s addiction crisis and save lives.

Deaths caused by drug overdoses have skyrocketed in Connecticut. In 2015, more than 720 Connecticut residents died from drug overdoses, including 415 heroin-related deaths. The Connecticut State Police announced yesterday that all 11 State Police Barracks will now offer permanent drug collection drop boxes so that Connecticut residents can deposit their medication or substances anytime, without any questions asked.