Operation Medicine Cabinet: Drop Box for Unused Meds Placed at Village Hall

Several dozen community members gathered on the steps ofWednesday at noon to officially unveil a drop box meant for unused prescription drugs.

It was a project of the called Operation Medicine Box.

According to Task Force co-chairs Sean Boylan and Anthony Ferrandino, both social workers in the district, prescription drug use is quickly becoming one of the nation's worst drug addition problems.

"In 2009, almost one third of youth reported to experiment with prescription drug use. Those who experimented said they got it from a friend's house or a relative. That's why this box is so important: Because they're getting their meds at home We're also hoping its can create the dialogue between parents and kids about drug uses," Ferrandino said.

Northport Police Department Chief Ric Bruckenthal said it was important to note that contributions to the drug deposit box, which resembles a United States Post Office mailbox, would be on a 'no questions asked' basis.

"I can't emphasize that enough," he said. It will be placed just inside the front door of the Northport Police Department headquarters.

Superintendent of Marylou McDermott recounted how the task force was initiated in 2006, following the death of two Northport graduates.

"At the time the Board of Education asked, 'what can we do?' I suggested we have a community drug and alcohol task force. That was led beautifully by former assistant superintendent John Lynch. He was able to galvanize 75 community members.who volunteered their time and efforts to say: We care about the children of our community,'" McDermott said.  

The original committee report issued January 7, 2007 is attached to this article in Pdf form.

When Lynch retired last year, Boylan and Ferrandino took over. 

"The task force has really come together as a group and this is an important part of what we're doing," Boylan said. "And I think the projects we're doing can have an impact."

Deputy Mayor Henry Tobin said he agreed with Boylan, and that this drop box is a great example example of "health, safety and community." He noted it has an environmental aspect as well. It is much better for people bring the unused medications to the box rather than dumping them down the toilet, he said, because if they are flushed they could make their way to Northport Harbor. 

Also on hand were original committee members, Rob Ingrahm — a school board trustee at the time of the committee's formation—, Mary Silberstein, Northport resident and director of the Huntington Pederson Krag Center and Athletic Director Drew Cronin.

Northport High School math teacher Tammy Walsh, who has also started a community brook club as part of the task force, came with many of her students. 

The box was paid for by the The David R. Portmore Memorial Fund for Crime Prevention.

David, the son of Northport residents Eileen Callahan and René Fiechter, was a U.S. Navy sailor. In 1991, while enroute to his newly assigned ship in Long Beach, California, he drove through a drug infested high crime area and was robbed and murdered.

"We're active because were involved in anything that can stop drug abuse," Callahan said Wednesday.

Many Northport High School students were also on hand for the unveiling, including several members of the task force, who said they thought not only the drop box but the committee itself is a good idea.

"I think it's always helpful to open the lines of communication," said Gabby Gatto.

"By putting our heads together, the task force has come up with a lot of good ideas," said Cameron Lambertson.