Senator Fred Akshar hosts “Shed the Meds” Prescription Take-Back and 30th “Face Time With Fred” Town Hall Meeting in Waverly

(WAVERLY, NY) On Tuesday, July 31st, Senator Fred Akshar hosted two public events in Waverly aimed at collecting expired and unused prescription drugs and talking issues in a town hall-style meeting.

First, Senator Akshar joined the Waverly Police Department, CASA-Trinity and the Waverly Free Library to host a “Shed the Meds” prescription take-back and Narcan training event at the Waverly Free Library.

Volunteers collected over 30 lbs. of prescription and over-the-counter medication, including 20 bottles of prescription narcotics like oxycodone and fentanyl along with other controlled substances with an estimated street value of over $3,000.

In addition to dropping off old prescription pills, community members participated in free Narcan training held at the Waverly Free Library and provided by CASA-Trinity. Upon completion of their training, each trainee received a free Narcan kit.
 

Senator Fred Akshar said, “I'm so inspired to see our community continue to stay engaged and working together to be part of the solution to the heroin and opioid epidemic. 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.”

“As a facility that prides itself on service to our community, we were very pleased to serve as the location for the take-back and Narcan training,” said Waverly Free Library Director Chris Brewster. “It’s so important that people see our institutions being proactive in resolving issues that affect the community as a whole. We’re always happy to do our part.”

Waverly Police Chief Dan Gelatt said, "This event is an excellent way for residents to drop off their unused or expired medications with no questions asked. It also allows us to remind residents that we also offer a 24/7 drop box at the station at no cost. We're starting to see a small dip in the number of overdose calls we receive and it shows that events like these are having a positive effect on the community."

CASA-Trinity Prevention Supervisor Christina Olevano said, “This is the 3rd event CASA-Trinity collaborated with Senator Akshar and law enforcement to provide free prescription drug take back opportunities along with free Narcan trainings to communities around Tioga County. We had 14 people trained in Waverly, that is 14 more people who are educated about the signs of an opioid overdose and now have the naloxone kits on hand to use and potentially save someone's 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 900 lbs. of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, getting an estimated street value of $230,000 worth of drugs off the street, according to local law enforcement officials.

Any residents who still need to dispose of expired or unused prescriptions can do so at the prescription drop box at the Waverly Police Department at 32 Ithaca St, Waverly.

After the prescription take-back, Senator Akshar hosted his 30th “Face Time With Fred” town hall meeting at the Rail House Restaurant & Tap Room to a packed crowd of nearly 50 community members to discuss a wide range of issues, including taxes, job growth, the environment and drug addiction.
 

“The only way we can put forth good policy and generate meaningful change to make New York more affordable for the people who live here is for our community members to stay actively engaged with their government,” said Sen. Fred Akshar. “Thanks to all the folks who came and allowed me to listen to their concerns. It's the best way for me to properly represent the people of the 52nd District.”

“Face Time With Fred” town hall meetings continue Senator Akshar's pledge to remain open and accessible to the people of the 52nd Senate District. Since taking office in 2015, Akshar has held 30 in-person town hall meetings across Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware counties.