Murphy Announces Shed The Meds Summer Program

BEEKMAN, NY - We all know that flushing old and unused prescription drugs is not a safe or efficient way to get rid of them. Neither is throwing them in the trash. Senator Terrence Murphy has the right and responsible solution. On Thursday, July 21, Senator Murphy will partner with the Town of Beekman, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, State Assemblyman Kieran Lalor and the Council on Addiction, Prevention and Educate (CAPE) to launch his summer "Shed the Meds" Program. The program starts at 9:00 am at the Beekman Town Hall, 4 Main Street in Poughquag. Anyone with unwanted or expired medications can bring them to the Town Hall where they will be disposed of safely.

"Proper disposal of old and unwanted medications is essential to ensure these drugs do not wind up in the hands of children or drug dealers. It is also an effective way to protect the environment," said Senator Murphy. "I encourage residents in the Beekman area to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of their expired medications in a safe and responsible manner."

"The Hudson Valley has been overwhelmed in an epidemic of opioid abuse," said Barbara Zulauf, Town Supervisor for the Town of Beekman. "This is a wonderful chance for the safe disposal of unused and expired prescription drugs so that these drugs do not get into the wrong hands. I applaud Senator Murphy with his efforts to address the growing epidemic of abuse of prescription drugs and opioid related misuse. The Town of Beekman, along with Assemblyman Kieran Lalor, is honored to participate in the 'Shed the Meds' program."

"Unfortunately, a lot of prescription drug abuse comes from within, when one member of a family steals from another," said Lieutenant Frank LaMonica, Jr., Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. "The purpose of the program is to get potentially dangerous drugs off of the streets. We also have drop boxes where people can dispose of their prescription drugs anonymously at their convenience,"

Anyone can bring any type of medication for disposal, however needles cannot be accepted. Safe disposal helps protect the environment and eliminates the risk of these drugs getting into the hands of small children or those who might misuse them. Improper disposal of medications, such as pouring them down the drain or flushing them down the toilet, can potentially pollute local waterways.

Upcoming dates and locations for additional "Shed the Meds" summer programs:

Croton-on-Hudson - Tuesday, July 26 at Croton Commons (parking lot area), 175 Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson.

Brewster - Thursday, July 28 at the old Village Offices, 208 Main Street near Peaceable Hill Road, Brewster.

Peekskill - Tuesday, August 9 at Hayes Plaza, outside Field Public Library, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill.

Sleepy Hollow - Thursday, August 11 at the Village of Sleepy Hollow Police Department, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow.

Yorktown - Wednesday, August 17 at Jefferson Village (parking lot area), Hill Blvd.

Somers - Friday, August 26 at the Somers Police Department, 100 Primrose Street/Route 139, Somers.

All shed the meds events begin at 9:00 AM.