Dutchess County, particularly the southern and northeastern corridors of the county, is a designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Overdoses caused by opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, surged by 57 percent in Dutchess County during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, according to data from the New York State Department of Health. By the end of 2021, approximately 97 people had died from overdoses involving opioid pain relievers (many laced with fentanyl). In addition, among people aged 12 or older who misused prescription pain relievers, nearly 54 percent obtained the medication from friends or relatives, another indicator that the safe disposal of unused and/or expired prescription medications was necessary.

Dutchess County had 11 drop box locations offering residents places to safely and anonymously dispose of unused and unwanted controlled substances and over-the-counter and prescription medications. Comprehensive Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Program funds were used to purchase two safe-disposal receptacles to be permanently housed in law enforcement sites: one in the southern corridor, at the Town of Fishkill Police Department, and one in the eastern corridor, at the Dover Plains satellite location of the New York State Police trooper barracks. This would allow not only access to the safe-disposal receptacles but also public access at many events, such as community days, town hall meetings, activities in school settings (Red Ribbon Week, National Overdose Awareness Day, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, National Fentanyl Awareness Day), and other community events.