Medication Take Back Day on November 2nd

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported that “In 2010, about 12 million Americans (age 12 or older) reported nonmedical use of prescription painkillers in the past year.”  Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions.  “Overdose deaths from prescription painkillers have skyrocketed in the past decade. Every year, nearly 15,000 people die from overdoses involving these drugs—more than those who die from heroin and cocaine combined.” (CDC)

By participating in the Medication Take Back event, Putnam County residents are given the opportunity to ensure safety for themselves and New York’s waterways. The Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Department of Health, partner on this event.

The next Medication Take Back Event will be on November 2nd, 2013 from 9AM -2PM at Putnam Hospital Center’s Wagner Cancer Pavilion, 670 Stoneleigh Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512.  NO SHARPS OF ANY KIND ACCEPTED. NO LANCETS. NO SYRINGES. NO EPI PENS. Individuals can dispose of prescription medication, over the counter medication, and pet medication. Please Remember: Keep medications in original package. To call for questions on items you are unsure of dropping off please contact Mary Rice at the Putnam County Department of Health at (845) 808-1390 x 43164.

The “Medication Take Back” initiative encourages Putnam County residents to:

·         Take inventory of your prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and vet medications.

·         Lock your medicine cabinet.

·         Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home at a proper disposal site.

·         Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.

·         Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

The Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Putnam County Health Department applaud residents for disposing of these unwanted items in a sanitary and safe way. The success of this initiative is a community effort that has been effective in not only protecting our youth, but our environment. Each day we see evidence of the toll prescription drug abuse has on our community.