SAFE GC Coalition: Over 300 Pounds of Unwanted Meds Collected

On May 8th SAFE, The City of Glen Cove Mayor’s office, Glen Cove Police Department and Glen Cove EMS partnered on their annual event entitled “Shed Your Med’s”. This prevention program follows the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Take Back Day – a day that addresses abuse of controlled prescription drugs.

This year, over 300 lbs. of unwanted medications were collected. This is the largest collection in a decade. Additionally, personal home medication disposal kits named Deterra were provided by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and given to all those who came to dispose of their unwanted medications. The kit allows individuals to safely dispose at home in between Shed Your Meds event. Kits are available at the SAFE office.

Abuse of prescription medication has become a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. Shed Your Med’s provides an opportunity for individuals to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

In the meantime, DEA reminds Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and secure unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medications for the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. If you need to dispose of medications now, please see visit the DEA’s year-round collection site locator at https://takebackday.dea.gov/

The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled. “Keeping Glen Cove SAFE,” in order to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about the Opioid Epidemic at www.safeglencove.org.