Farmingville, NY - On October 24, Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright and the Town of Brookhaven Council District 1 Drug Prevention Coalition will co-sponsor a National Prescription Drug Take Back on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event will be held at the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce Train Car located at the southeast corner of Route 112 and Route 347. Joining the Councilwoman as a co-sponsor is the Center for Prevention and Outreach’s SB IMPACT Coalition from Stony Brook University’s Student Health, Wellness and Prevention Services. Social distancing will be enforced, and masks must be worn by all participants. There will also be an on-site food drive to benefit local food pantries. Free masks and hand sanitizer will also be available. Go to the Drug Prevention Coalition webpage.
Councilwoman Cartright said, “Old prescription drugs that are left in a drawer or in the medicine cabinet are a danger to everyone, young and old. By dropping them off for safe disposal, you will avoid accidental use or abuse. I thank all my co-sponsors and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon for his support of this event and for taking a lead role in the prevention of drug abuse in the Town of Brookhaven.”
Alana Marino LMSW, College Prevention Coordinator for Stony Brook University said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for people with substance use disorders and in recovery and has left idle time at home for people of all ages who are vulnerable to substance misuse. Therefore, it is important for us to ensure that we safely dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs in our homes. We are proud to partner with Councilwoman Cartright and the DPC for this event, which includes a prescription drug take back to help improve the health and safety of our campus and communities."
This event receives partial support from the New York Office of Addiction Services and supports the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) College Environmental Prevention Grant. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of old prescription drugs and is held as part of “Living Drug Free” Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31). Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who in 1985 was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.
