Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) is pleased to announce the success of the Shed the Meds event he hosted in Yorktown on Monday, September 9 at the Jefferson Village Activities Center which collected over 100 pounds of unwanted and expired medication. The event was co-hosted with Alliance for Safe Kids, Drug Crisis in our Backyard and the Yorktown Police Department. The medication will be safely disposed of by the Yorktown Police Department.
“The opioid epidemic has continued to plague our communities throughout New York State,” said Assemblyman Byrne. “Continuing a tradition first started by former state Senator Terrence Murphy, I have decided to conduct these Shed the Meds events throughout the district as a means to ensure these medications are properly disposed of, out of the hands of those who may misuse them, and out of our water supply. Over the past few years we have managed to collect well over 1,000 pounds of unwanted or expired medication. I look forward to our next upcoming Shed the Meds event on Saturday, September 21 at Carmel Town Hall.”
“Our officers treat this very seriously. We’re an excellent police department, have excellent people working with us but we are even better with community involvement,” said Yorktown Police Chief Rob Noble. “If you are aware of a situation with narcotics that may be dangerous and you believe we can intercede, please give us a call.”
“Yorktown must remain active in our fight against the opioid epidemic. This program not only provides a service, but educates and reminds the public of the perils of prescription drug abuse. I thank Assemblyman Byrne for continuing this program along with our great community organizations.” said Yorktown Town Councilman Ed Lachterman.
“I am proud of the work that has been done locally to stem the tide of the ongoing opioid and heroin crisis. We have already seen success through our K-9 program and this event gives residents another way to safely dispose of dangerous medications that could otherwise turn them into targets by nefarious individuals” said Yorktown Councilman Tom Diana.
“It is very important to have awareness for what the drugs do and get them out of the house especially with grandparents who have teenage kids who come into the house because they are checking their grandparents’ medicine cabinet,” said Drug Crisis in our Backyard co-founder Carol Christiansen.
“Events like this help to remind the community that it is there, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and anytime for you it’s always safe to drop off your expired or unused medications so they don’t get into the hands of someone they could do harm to” said Alliance for Safe Kids President Tricy Cushner.
According to the Yorktown Town website, people can continue to safely dispose of their expired or unused medications at the receptacle located inside the lobby at the Yorktown Police Department, 2281 Crompond Road. Items accepted include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets. No appointment necessary- open 24 hours, every day.