More Than 100 Pounds of Medications Disposed of at Ritchie "Shed the Meds" Event

More than 100 pounds of prescription drugs were disposed of Tuesday at State Senator Patty Ritchie’s “Shed the Meds” event; a program aimed at helping people safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications. 

The event was the third of four taking place in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.  So far, as a result of the program more than 300 pounds of medications including painkillers, opioids and narcotics—substances which are often times gateway drugs for addiction to illegal substances such as heroin.

“Many people don’t realize that the unused, unwanted or expired pills sitting in their medicine cabinets can pose major risks to children, pets, people who could abuse them and our drinking water if they are disposed of improperly” said Senator Ritchie. 

“I’d like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department especially Undersheriff Paul Trudeau, Carthage Area Hospital and the Carthage Police Department for partnering with me to make this very important event possible.  Our efforts helped us to take one more step in the fight to keep our community safe.”

Senator Ritchie will host one additional “Shed the Meds” event, taking place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on September 16^th at Gouverneur Hospital located at 77 West Barney Street. 

There is no limit to the number or type of medicines that residents may bring for disposal. In addition, Jefferson County residents may dispose of unwanted medicines seven days a week at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building, located at 753 Waterman Drive in Watertown. In St. Lawrence County, residents may drop off medications at the Public Safety Building, located at 48 Court Street in Canton. 

(Pictured from left to right in the above photo are Carthage Area Hospital Chief Operating Officer Rich Duvall, Jefferson County Undersheriff Paul Trudeau, Senator Patty Ritchie and Officer Shane Smith)