Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown) held his third annual Shed the Meds event in partnership with the Yorktown Police Department, offering residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication. The annual initiative helps combat the opioid crisis, prevent misuse and protect the environment from improper disposal. The event also featured resources from the Alliance for Safe Kids and Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, longtime partners of Slater’s fight against the region’s drug crisis.

“Many people don’t know the proper way to dispose of unused medication, which is why this event is so important, especially during the ongoing opioid crisis,” said Slater. “Flushing pills down the toilet or drain pollutes our water and soil, so safe disposal protects public health, the environment and keeps prescription drugs out of the wrong hands. It’s a win-win-win.”

“We collected an estimated 100 pounds of unwanted or expired medication in just two hours, showing the clear demand for this program. We’ll continue offering it, so if you missed this year’s event, be sure to join us next year! A special thank you to Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman, the Yorktown Police Department and our fantastic community partners for their help and support.”

Liz Talbert, executive director of Alliance for Safe Kids said, “It is so important to have events like this to share awareness of not only the opioid epidemic but to also let community members know that there is something that they may do to help. By simply disposing of unwanted or expired medications safely in the Prescription Drug Drop Box, they are helping to keep drugs out of the hands of our youth or anyone else that may misuse them.”

Susan Salomone, executive director and founder Drug Crisis in our Backyard said, “Drug Crisis in our Backyard thanks Assemblyman Slater for continuing to carry on the mission of reducing deadly drugs in our community. By keeping our medicine cabinets up to date and discarding expired prescriptions, we take away the temptation of those seeking drugs. Families can access care if they have a loved one misusing substances by calling 914-582-8384. We have resources and are happy to help with information on how to influence change in a loved one’s behavior.”

The Yorktown Police Department said, “The Yorktown Police Department thanks our community partners and local officials for hosting the Shed the Meds event with us this year at the Yorktown Police Department. This valuable event is a safe, convenient and responsible way for residents to dispose of expired or unwanted medications.”

Town of Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “This is such a valuable resource to our town and residents. I applaud Assemblyman Slater for growing this program year after year, as he was part of its inception years ago. Not only does it offer a valuable service, but it also saves lives.”