September 20, 2016 -Springfield, Mass- Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni and Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe are set to announce the Hampden County Med Return System.

The District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department and Chiefs of Police from local police departments have partnered collaboratively to provide a safe and secure means for residents in Hampden County to dispose of any unwanted/unused medications.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “As we in local and regional law enforcement continue to fight on the frontlines against opiate abuse and addiction, we look to attack the problem at every angle. As a result, we are working together on this new initiative to responsibly discard medications from our bathroom cabinets and kitchen cupboards to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of those for whom they are not intended, and preventing misuse and addiction.”

Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe stated, “This is a great example of local law enforcement working together as a team to best serve our citizens. Whether it’s the opioid scourge or any other challenge, we are strongest when we are unified and indivisible. District Attorney Gulluni is really fulfilling a vital role for a district attorney: coordinating the best efforts and resources of the criminal justice and law enforcement community .True leadership.”

Currently there are eight med return boxes deployed throughout Hampden County with another six set to be deployed. As residents dispose of unused or unwanted medications and the boxes fill, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department will secure the disposed of medications and dispose of them at the incinerator operated by Covanta in West Springfield.