"Shed the Meds”: Ritchie to Co-host Drug Take Back Events

For many Americans, prescriptions are a necessity. However, most people have prescriptions that are expired, or no longer needed, sitting in their medicine cabinets. Responsibly disposing of these medications is key to protecting the environment, as well as public safety.

That is why State Senator Patty Ritchie is again teaming up with local hospitals, community groups and law enforcement agencies to host several “Shed the Meds” drug take-back events.

“My ‘Shed the Meds’ events have been extremely successful in helping people dispose of their medications in a responsible manner,” said Senator Ritchie. “They are a great chance for people to clean out their medicine cabinets and protect public health at the same time. I am hopeful that area residents will take advantage of these opportunities.”

In recent years, Senator Ritchie has helped collect nearly 400 pounds of unused prescriptions through the “Shed the Meds” program.

The dates, times and locations for Senator Ritchie’s three events are as follows:

Jefferson County

Wednesday, April 25 at River Hospital (outside of lobby) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• 4 Fuller St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
• Co-hosted by River Hospital, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Alexandria Bay Police Department and the Alliance for Better Communities

Thursday, April 26 at Carthage Area Hospital (lobby) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• 1001 West St., Carthage, NY 13619
• Co-hosted by Carthage Area Hospital, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Carthage Police Department and the Alliance for Better Communities

Oswego County

Wednesday, April 25 at Oswego Health (lobby) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• 110 W. Sixth St., Oswego, NY 13126
• Co-hosted by Oswego Health, Oswego Police Department and the Oswego County Sheriff's Department

In addition, Senator Ritchie is reminding St. Lawrence County residents that they are able to drop off unwanted medications at drug disposal kiosks at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and Gouverneur Hospital.  Through this program, residents can drop off unwanted, expired, or leftover medications at locked collection kiosk sites at either hospital, or by using a pre-paid, mail-back envelope, at no cost.

The drop-off kiosks are available in the main lobby of both hospitals, Monday through Friday. Collection hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ogdensburg and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gouverneur. The kiosk program will continue through July.

As a member of the Senate’s Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, Senator Ritchie has been working to stop prescription drug abuse through “Shed the Meds” events and other efforts. Most recently, she advocated for a record $247 million investment in the new state budget for treatment, education, prevention and enforcement to help end—and prevent—drug abuse.