Guilford Continues To Take Steps To Fight Drug Crisis

By Jack Kramer, Patch Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT — The town of Guilford is doing its best to fight the nation and state of Connecticut’s drug crisis. On Saturday, State Rep. Sean Scanlon was joined by Guilford Development Assets for Youth (DAY) Prevention Coordinator Robyn Sneider and Sue Kruczek, who lost her son Nick to a drug overdose, at the third annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Police Department headquarters.

Residents with excess prescription drugs still in the home have a safe and easy opportunity to get rid of them as Guilford has a medication box at the front door of the police lobby.

It is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Scanlon, who has been an outspoken advocate for drug prevention measures at the state capitol, said he was proud of Guilford’s efforts to fight the opioid and heroin crisis.

“We’ve collected 100 pounds of prescription drugs in the past when we’ve held events like today,” Scanlon said. “It has hopefully helped saved lives.

The amount of drugs the Guilford medication box brings in has indeed grown.

In 2014—the first year the box was installed—398 pounds of medication was collected; in 2015, 720 pounds of medication was collected; and in 2016, 873 pounds of medication was collected.

Scanlon helped pass a bill in 2015 that limits first-time opioid prescriptions to a seven-day supply.

Sneider said giving people an accessible place to dispose of unwanted medications, no questions asked, is an important tool.

“Lots of kids are becoming addicted and that addiction can start at home,” she said.

Kruczek, who has become known statewide for her advocacy in support of programs fighting substance abuse, echoed Scanlon and Sneider’s words.

“All the attention this brings is a good thing,” Kruczek said. “We need to keep the focus on this crisis - not just today but every day.”

Image via Jack Kramer