We’ve all heard jolting reports about opioid abuse becoming a growing problem in our region. Some are taking action to help prevent it. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is participating in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Sheriff Deputy Aaron Naegly says dropping off unneeded drugs prevents abuse, and helps the environment.
"Since this program started, we've collected over 40,000 pounds of prescription drugs and 25,000 pounds of needles. We take those up to a company and have them incinerated. So, they're burned. There is no way those drugs can get into the waterway. So, if you think about 40,000 pounds of prescription drugs that would work its way back into our waterways that are now being incinerated, helps keep our water clean.”
Drugs are being collected Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bertland Chaffee Hospital in Springville, and at the Town Recreation Department on Southwestern Boulevard in Hamburg.