Suffolk Sheriff deputies set up shop at the Center Moriches Library Monday to bring various services to the community, including a Shed the Meds drop box and medical IDs.
The stop was one of many Sheriff Errol Toulon conducts every year as part of his efforts to help residents stay healthy and safe.
“Shed the Meds allows for the safe disposal of drugs so they don’t end up in the wrong hands or pollute the water supply,” explained Bryan Stoothoff of the Community Relations Unit. “We’re glad that so many people are coming in for our services.”
Kathy DeVito said she saw a notice about the event in the library’s newsletter and stopped by to put some prescriptions in the box that had been in her medicine closet for years.
“It was definitely time to get rid of them, and this is a safe way to do it,” the East Moriches resident said. A regular visitor, she also takes advantage of the library’s recycling drop box.
Right behind DeVito was Gena Harsch, who came from Manorville with her daughter, Olivia, to dispose of a bag of unwanted meds from her house and her mother’s. “It’s a nice service for the community,” she noted.
At another table, Officer T. Yacovone was busy printing special IDs designed to assist seniors and individuals with medical needs by providing a compact card that contains essential information.
“The card ensures that, in emergencies, first responders have immediate access to critical health details, facilitating prompt and accurate medical care,” the officer said. Included on the card is the individual’s name and photo, along with their address, blood type, medical history, and emergency contact information.
The deputies were also signing up residents for the Yellow Dot program, which provides a decal they can put on the driver’s side rear window of their vehicles to alert first responders to the presence of vital medical information stored in the glove compartment.
“People can update their information as necessary, which is stored in a bright yellow envelope that can’t be missed,” Yacovone pointed out.
Another service offered by the department is the Sheriff’s Foundation, which supports community-based programming to reduce crime and recidivism, improve outcomes for at-risk individuals, and build positive relationships with law enforcement.