PROVIDENCE, RI – In observance of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Housing and Human Services Director Emily Freedman today announced safe opportunities for disposing expired or unused medication on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10AM to 2PM at the Providence Public Safety Complex, 325 Washington Street, Providence. City staff will also distribute items to support safe medication storage and disposal, including medication lock bags and disposal kits.
“My Administration is committed to reducing overdose deaths and supporting every Providence neighbor on their path to recovery. Improving access to harm reduction services, expanding recovery supports, and reducing behavioral health care disparities require a strategic, sustained effort across our community. Through landmark City investments and strong partnerships with local organizations, we are working to build a safer, more compassionate system of care,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This initiative helps reduce the risks these medications pose for families in our City, and I encourage everyone to use this opportunity for safe disposal.”
Prescription drug misuse continues to pose a serious public health challenge in the US, with high rates of nonprescribed use driving accidental poisonings and overdose deaths. Approximately half of overdoses continue to involve prescription drugs alone or in combination with illicit drugs. Due to these risks, Providence has maintained regular Prescription Drug Take-Back days, and residents can also dispose of unused or expired medications at the Providence Public Safety Complex at any time.