Properly dispose of unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events

Properly dispose of unwanted medications during Health Quest’s take-back event on April 28

Rid your homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medicines during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events hosted at Health Quest hospitals.

Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel will partner with the Prevention Council of Putnam and Putnam County Sheriff’s Department to offer its event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie and Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck will team up with local law enforcement to accept medications for disposal between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Only prescription and over-the-counter pills and patches will be collected. No liquids, needles or sharps medical devices. Medications should be kept in original packaging with the patient information removed. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

During the fall 2017 national take-back event, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement partners collected 456 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 locations, according to the DEA’s website.

“This initiative addresses a vital public health and safety issue,” said Dr. Gerda Maissel, chief medical officer of Health Quest Medical Practice. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets can be used recreationally and abused, including by youth. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the country are alarming,”

In addition, flushing medicines down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can pose potential safety and environmental hazards.

For information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit www.healthquest.org/takeback (TTY 800-421-1220).

Event Locations:

 

Vassar Brothers Medical Center Dyson Center for Cancer Care

45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie                      

Putnam Hospital Center Wagner Cancer Pavilion

670 Stoneleigh Ave., Carmel

Northern Dutchess Hospital Board Room

6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck

B
Submitted by Brewster, NY

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next