Hancock Community Helps “Shed the Meds”

(HANCOCK, NY) Senator Fred Akshar joined local community leaders and law enforcement for a “Shed the Meds” prescription turn-in event on Saturday at the Town of Hancock Town Office Building. Volunteers collected over 20 pounds of prescription medication, with an estimated street value of over $6,000 worth of opioids.

In addition to dropping off old prescription pills, community members participated in free Narcan training, which was provided by the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP). Upon completion of their training, each trainee received a free Narcan kit.

Along with STAP, the event was co-sponsored by the Town and Village of Hancock, the Hancock Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

“The heroin epidemic did not arrive at our doorstep overnight, and it won't be eliminated overnight either. It knows no social or economic class, no race or creed. We need to come together for events like these and work together to save lives,” said Senator Akshar. “As I have traveled the 52nd Senate District listening to parents and families, I’ve heard repeatedly that their children’s opioid addiction started from prescription medication. My message to the community is please get rid of your old prescriptions, it helps keep them out of the wrong hands and could save a life.”

This event continues Senator Akshar’s commitment to fighting the heroin epidemic – as a Co-chair of the Senate Heroin Task Force and passing legislation to enhance prevention, treatment and recovery for heroin addiction. Over the past two years, Akshar's Shed the Meds events across the 52nd Senate District collected over 500 lbs. of prescription drugs, getting an estimated street value of $180,000 worth of drugs off the street, according to local officials.