Legally & Safely Dispose of Unwanted Medications This Saturday, September 25

Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem across the Country and seems to be particularly troublesome on Staten Island. It is important that people clean out their medicine cabinets and get rid of outdated, expired and unwanted prescription drugs to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse and studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Additionally, many Americans don’t know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

That’s why this Saturday, September 25^th, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with government, community, public health and law enforcement partners will join on Staten Island to host a prescription drug “Take-Back” –  part of a nationwide initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

There will be 7 “Take-Back” sites on Staten Island and 200 throughout the State of New York this Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Locations include:

·         Both Staten Island University Hospital campuses, at 375 Seguine Ave., Prince's Bay, and
475 Seaview Ave., Ocean Breeze;

·         Engine 162/Ladder 82, at 256 Nelson Ave., Great Kills;

·         Engine 168/EMS Battalion 23 at 1100 Rossville Ave., Rossville;

·         EMS Station 22, at 460 Brielle Ave., Sea View;

·         Engine 163/Ladder 83 at 875 Jewett Ave., Westerleigh;

·         Engine 155/Ladder 78, 14 Brighton Ave., New Brighton.

Click here for a list of collection sites in every local community .