SHARE

Greenwich Eighth-Grader Organizes Drug Disposal To Fight Opioid Addiction

GREENWICH, Conn. — Proclaiming that "the best me is drug free," a Greenwich eighth-grader set out to fight opioid addiction for her middle school capstone project. 

Lilly Saleeby of Greenwich is organizing a drug drop-off event to help prevent opioid addiction.

Lilly Saleeby of Greenwich is organizing a drug drop-off event to help prevent opioid addiction.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The prescription drug drop box is located in the lobby of the Greenwich Police Station and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone can dispose of drugs in an environmentally safe manner.

The prescription drug drop box is located in the lobby of the Greenwich Police Station and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone can dispose of drugs in an environmentally safe manner.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Lilly Saleeby, who attends Central Middle School, was required to come up with a project that promotes progress in their community. Each student composes an essay, comes up with an action plan, and completes a final project.

Lilly, who is an athlete, said she knows how frustrating it is to get injured. She watched as her brother suffered an injury and needed surgery. 

But that also inspired her project. 

"Surgery can lead to addiction, but my family took the correct steps to avoid the possibility of addiction. He managed his pain with acetaminophen and ibuprofen instead of taking oxycodones," Lilly said. 

She set out with a goal to educate — because "people know very little about the dangers of prescription medication." 

"It is not uncommon for young athletes to have the potential to fall into a tragic cycle of addiction," she said. "Whether it be to ease the excruciating pain or the desire to get back into the game quicker, many athletes get hooked by using prescribed painkillers incorrectly. 

"Don’t fall into the trap. I urge you to question your physicians. There are alternative options!"

To help prevent addiction, she is urging residents to bring any and all unwanted prescription drugs to an event at the Greenwich Police Department from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20. She will show residents how to dispose of drugs in an environmentally safe was. 

"Get them out of your house so you don’t put your loved ones at risk," Lilly said.

The prescription drug drop box in the lobby of the Greenwich Police Station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE