Murphy's Shed The Meds Program Collects Over 1,000 Pounds Of Hazardous Prescription Drugs

SOMERS, NY - The recent major drug bust in Cortlandt, in which 65 pounds of heroin was seized, underscored the dramatic reality that life-threatening drugs and drug dealers have infested our neighborhoods. Senator Terrence Murphy, who serves as Co-Chair of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, has long been in the forefront in the war against heroin and in getting treatment for those caught in its grip. He has also fought to reduce prescription drug abuse through this summer's "Shed the Meds" program. The seven "Shed the Meds" programs held in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties this summer took more than 1,000 pounds of potentially hazardous prescription drugs out of medicine cabinets and off the streets.

This summer's final successful "Shed the Meds" program was held at the Somers Police Department in conjunction with the Town of Somers, the Somers Police Department, Drug Crisis in our Backyard - Public Page, and Somers Partners in Prevention.

"I cannot say this enough; we have an epidemic on our hands. Controlling it takes tougher legislation, education, and enforcement," Senator Murphy said. "We have the ability to have a positive effect on drug abuse by getting rid of old and unwanted prescription drugs in our medicine cabinets. Safe disposal of these drugs means your child or grandchild will not find them or that someone will pick them out of your trash and sell them to someone struggling with addiction."

"We welcomed the opportunity to work with Senator Murphy to promote 'Shed the Meds' and the use of our prescription drop box at the Somers at the Somers Police Department," Somers Town Supervisor Rick Morrissey said. "Like Senator Murphy, we are deeply concerned about the drug crisis, and will work with law enforcement and local community groups to stem the tide of drugs polluting our communities."

"The misuse of prescription medications, especially opiods, can lead to drug dependency. Frequently because of the high cost of prescription opiods - people turn to heroin which is significantly cheaper. These and other factors add to the growing heroin epidemic," said Somers Police Chief Michael Driscoll.

In addition to 'Shed the Meds', the Somers Police Department maintains a prescription drug drop off container at the Somers Police Department that gives residents a safe way to dispose of these prescription drugs. Residents have made frequent use of this service since its inception in 2013. To date, a total of 1,273 pounds of prescription drugs have been safely disposed of through the use of the drop box. "If this effort has resulted in the saving of even one life - it is more than successful," the Chief explained.

For more information about prescription drop boxes in your area, contact Senator Murphy's District Office at 914-962-2624.