County Council and District Attorney hit the streets, taking drug awareness message directly to communities

Delaware County Council and the District Attorney conducted a Public Safety Walk throughout the neighborhoods of Yeadon Borough the evening of Aug. 20 as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the safe storage and proper disposal of prescription medications, particularly narcotics that are addicting.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, prescription drug abuse is now at epidemic levels in the United States.

The Yeadon walk was one of several conducted by county officials to warn residents that prescription narcotics can fall into the wrong hands, and be abused, if they are not locked up and properly disposed of when no longer needed as prescribed.

The Safety Walk program is part of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force’s mission to educate the public and prevent drug abuse. The Task Force members are taking their message directly to the residents in Delaware County communities. Walks have been conducted in Haverford, Marple, Yeadon and one is planned for Upper Darby on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Distributing educational information to the residents in Yeadon were Delaware County Council Vice Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr., Councilman Dave White, Executive Director Marianne Grace, District Attorney Attorney Jack Whelan, Criminal Investigation Division Chief Joe Ryan and Preparedness Coordinator Tim Boyce.

Yeadon Borough Police Chief Donald Molineux joined the county officials.

The handouts urge residents to “Safeguard Your Meds.” People should lock medications in a safe place; remove narcotics that are unused, old or expired; monitor quantities and regularly check if any drugs are missing; and properly dispose of expired or unused medicines.

Along with information on safeguarding meds, there are tips on personal safety, vehicle security and home protection.

The Heroin Task Force was formed in 2012 to educate young people, parents and educators about the destructive and addictive nature of heroin and abused prescription drugs.

Residents can anonymously report tips to the District Attorney’s office at www.delcoda.com. For information about the Heroin Task Force, visit the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.