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"We were under a tent, and some people drove up and handed them off. It was a good turnout," said Michael Jefferson, communications director for state Sen. Terrence Murphy, R-Yorktown.
The senator partnered with the village of Croton-on-Hudson, the Croton Police Department and Croton Community Coalition in the effort. It provides a safe way to get rid of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs.
The collection included "ones people use for various ailments, arthritis and heart conditions, usually expired medications and generic drugs," said Jefferson.
He emphasized that although the launch has passed, the medications can still be safely disposed of by dropping them off at the Croton Police Department in a dropbox that is available 24 hours a day to avoid "throwing them in the toilet or garbage."
"The cost in human lives of prescription medications ruining our communities is staggering," said Murphy.
"With a drug epidemic invading our neighborhoods and schools we have to be more vigilant for the sake of our families and children. Removing hazardous drugs is another step in the right direction. "
"'The Shed the Meds program helps ensure that old and unwanted drugs do not wind up back on the street or in the hands of children," said Croton-on-Hudson Police Chief Anthony Tramaglini.
"It also helps protect our environment. Too many people think that flushing away their old medications will not do any harm. They forget that these drugs can get into our water system."
"In light of the escalating drug crisis, it is important for us to eliminate as many potentially dangerous drugs as we can," said Laurie Dean, Croton Community Coalition chairwoman and coordinator.
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