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Turkey Tail, by Vanaprastha Sciorra

Steuben County “Drug buy back,” April 22 in Bath

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Help prevent addiction and accidental overdoses

The Steuben County Sheriff and the Steuben Prevention Coalition Opioid Committee will co-host a “Drug Prescription Take Back” collection from 10 am – 2 pm Apr. 22 at the county Public Safety Building, 7007 Rumsey St. Ext., in recognition of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s national campaign.

The importance of the day has never been greater.

According to national statistics, the nation has surpassed more than 1 million deaths due to overdoses since 2019.

Steuben County was recently ranked as higher than average in overdoses in New York State by NEMSIS, the National Opioid Overdose Tracker..

The biannual turn-back event has also seen a greater response, with 375 pounds of unneeded prescriptions at the biannual “Drug Prescription Take Back” collection held in October 2022.

The illegal use of prescription drugs casts a wide net of related issues.

“Every year, burglaries occur in homes specifically targeted due to the prescription opioids present in them,” county Sheriff Jim Allard said. “Disposing of unused prescription medications properly not only helps our environment but also increases public safety”

The collection day includes all unwanted and expired prescription medications and follows “National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day” on Apr. 14. “Studies indicate a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets,” said Steuben Opioid Committee Program Coordinator Connie Terry. “Clearing out unused medicine is essential in preventing addiction.”

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