Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara announced today that the SAFE in Southampton Coalition will host a DEA Drug Take-Back Drive-Thru on Saturday, April 25. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church located at 40 Main Street in Westhampton Beach.
The DEA Drug Take-Back is a community-focused program designed to provide residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. This initiative plays a critical role in preventing prescription drug misuse and protecting our local environment by keeping pharmaceuticals out of our groundwater and soil.
Councilwoman McNamara stated, "I would like to thank the Westhampton Beach Police Department and St. Mark's Episcopal Church for their participation in this important event. Unused and expired medications often find their way into the wrong hands, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes. The Drug Take-Back collection protects our families and our community."
The event is designed for maximum convenience; participants can simply “drive through and drop off” their medications at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 40 Main Street, Westhampton Beach.
Chief McManus emphasized the importance of the program, stating:
“Since the inception of this program, the Westhampton Beach Police Department has taken back over 2,000 pounds of prescription medications, keeping them off our streets and out of our sewer systems. This initiative is a simple yet highly effective way to protect our community, reduce the potential for abuse, and ensure medications are disposed of safely and responsibly.”
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of any unused or expired medications.
In addition to safe disposal, the event will feature several community resources and incentives. Through a partnership with Hampton Coffee Co., participants will receive free coffee. HUGS, Inc. will also be on-site to provide free Narcan and Deterra drug disposal kits, along with special Earth Day take-home kits for children.
Kym Laube of HUGS, Inc. states “In every home, every drawer, every medicine cabinet, there’s an opportunity to make a safer choice. Drug Take Back Day isn’t just about disposal—it’s about protecting our families, preventing misuse, and showing that small actions can create stronger, healthier communities. It’s up to all of us to make the community healthier!”
This event is a collaborative effort between HUGS, Inc., Councilwoman McNamara’s office, and the Westhampton Beach Police Department. For more information regarding the Drug Take-Back Drive-Thru or the SAFE in Southampton Coalition, please contact HUGS, Inc. at (631) 288-9505.