NORWICH – More than 87 pounds of prescription medication, with an estimated street value of more than $20,000 worth of opioids, were collected at Saturday’s ‘Shed the Meds’ event on Saturday.

Senator Fred Akshar joined Norwich Mayor Christine Carnrike, Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh and other community leaders and members of law enforcement in an effort to safely collect unwanted or expired medications.

In conjunction with dropping off old prescription pills, members of the community were offered the opportunity to participate in a free Naloxone (Narcan) training, which was provided by the Souther Tier AIDS Program (STAP).

STAP comes to Chenango County on a semi-regular basis to conduct training and offer a clean needle exchange. In addition to this, free testing is offered, including for Hepatitis C, which has been on the rise with the rise of the opiate epidemic nationwide.

Upon completion of the Naloxone training on Saturday, participants received a free kit.

“We are facing an opioid crisis that requires the entire community’s involvement and engagement,” said Akshar. “As a former member of law enforcement, there is no better partnership than one between a community and those serving to keep the community safe. ‘Shed the Meds’ brings both together and helps keep these drugs off the street and out of the wrong hands.”

Chief Marsh said, “We can’t thank Senator Akshar, the Chenango Health Network, and STAP enough for partnering with us. The Norwich Police Department is committed to utilizing every resource and opportunity to combat the drug epidemic, and it is events like ‘Shed the Meds’ that create opportunities for education and awareness.”