By Ashley Hassett
Buffalo, NY – Local, state and federal law enforcement joined the Erie County Medical Center to unveil an initiative to fight the national prescription drug problem.
Western New York will participate in the second National Take Back Initiative day Saturday, April 30th.
The Drug Enforcement Administration said over 50% of drug problems start in the home. U.S. Attorney William Hochul said when citizens drop off unwanted prescription drugs, they help lessen the chance of drug overdoses and wrongful distribution.
"Even one prescription pill improperly taken can alter a life forever. The solution is simple if their are no prescription pills in your medicine cabinet, no young person can start," said Hochul.
ECMC Chief Medical Officer Brian Murray said the prescrpition drug Lora-tabs have been the number one prescribed pain killers. But he said it has been found to be the most misused drug in the nation.
Drug Enforcement Agent in charge Dale Kasprzyk said prescription drug problems are the gateway to other drug issues.
"No one is immune from the prescription drug problem, it effects young people, it effects students, it effects middle age folks and it effects the elderly. To make matters worse as people get addicted to prescription drugs, they get addicted to pain killers. They often times get addicted to heroin," said Kasprzyk.
This Saturday's drop-off will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. across the country and right here in Western New York.
The public is encouraged to stop at any of the 22 prescription drop off sites in Erie, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Chautauqua and Wyoming Counties.
The following is a list of local collection sites:
Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Kenmore N.Y.
St. Joseph's Hospital, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
ECMC, Buffalo, N.Y.
D'Youville College, Buffalo, N.Y.
West Seneca Ice Rink, West Seneca, N.Y.
Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg, N.Y.
North Tonawanda City Hall, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, N.Y.
Mercy Ambulatory Center, Orchard Park, N.Y.
Old Niagara Falls Police Department Headquarters, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Mt. St, Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, N.Y.
Lockport Police Department, Lockport Plaza, Lockport, N.Y.
Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, Alstar HQS North
Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Lockport, N.Y.
Chafee Hospital, Springville, N.Y.
Arcade Police Station, Arcade, N.Y.
Wyoming County Sheriff's Department, Warsaw, N.Y.