SENATOR PEELER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SAFELY RID OF UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Bill Provides Drug Disposal Boxes at County Sheriff Offices
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senator Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, today introduced Senate Bill 755 aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths by improving the mechanism to safely dispose of unwanted controlled substances. The program would provide prescription drug drop boxes at Sheriff’s departments in all South Carolina counties to be available during regular business hours.
“The opioid epidemic is ripping apart communities and families nationwide, and South Carolina is feeling the effects,” Senator Harvey Peeler said. “This program will allow a safe, convenient way to rid of unused prescription drugs – and hopefully reduce the use, sell and distribution of these drugs. Opioids present a real danger to families and law enforcement as it makes its way back on the streets. Proper disposal will reduce the availability of dangerous, illegal opioids.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control estimates 550 deaths occurred in 2016 as a result of prescription drug overdose, up 18% from 2014.
Elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1981, Senator Harvey Peeler represents Cherokee County and portions of Spartanburg, Union and York counties. In addition to serving as the chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, he serves on the Education, Ethics, Finance, Interstate Cooperation, and Transportation committees.
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