New Community Initiative To Combat Drug Abuse

ONEONTA, 02/24/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I - Oneonta) today joined Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and the City of Oneonta Police Department to unveil a new drug take-back collection box inside the Oneonta Public Safety Building at 81 Main Street in Oneonta.  

Mallinckrodt is providing a lock box at the Oneonta police station for people to dispose of their unused, unwanted, or expired medications.  This is the most recent installment of Mallinckrodt’s continued efforts for patient safety and education.  

“Prescription drug abuse is a complex problem that no one initiative can solve,” said Senator Seward.  “I have worked to update our laws to prevent further tragedies from occurring and I applaud the efforts of Mallinckrodt and the Oneonta Police Department for taking an important step toward reducing the diversion, misuse, and abuse of these medications.”

President and CEO of Mallinckrodt Mark Trudeau said, “We’re very proud to work with the Oneonta Police Department on this important effort.  As a neighbor of the Oneonta community, and experts at managing the complex nature of controlled substances, Mallinckrodt is committed to this initiative, which we hope will help minimize the risk that unused of expired medications pose to the general public.”

Oneonta Police Department Lieutenant Douglas Brenner said, “The majority of prescription drug abusers obtain the product from friends or family with a legitimate prescription.  We have noticed a need for the public to have a way to dispose of their unused medicine in a safe manner.  We are fortunate to have this generous donation from Mallinckrodt to help us address the need.”

U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson said, “Combating prescription drug abuse takes a community effort, and this is an excellent step forward in that regard.  I appreciate the partnership of Mallinckrodt and the City of Oneonta in identifying a need and working together to address it in a way that will benefit my constituents.”

Assemblyman Pete Lopez said, “The issues surrounding prescription drug disposal have been mounting across the state for years, and many organizations, including our own Department of Environmental Conservation, have been looking for a solution.  This collaboration is a great opportunity for our community and offers a positive example for the rest of the state.”

The drop box can accept all types of packaged pills, both prescription and over-the-counter medications.  It will not accept sharps (needles) or liquid medication.  Additional information can be obtained by contacting the City of Oneonta Police Department at (607) 432-1111.

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