Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville has been designated as a drop-off site for unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is one of several sites throughout Western New York. Law enforcement representatives will be on hand along with volunteer pharmacists, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
With the growing nationwide concern about abuse of prescription medications, these drop-off events serve as a reminder for individuals and families to look through their cabinets and properly dispose of medications. This program keeps pharmaceuticals out of the water supply and away from children. Call 1-800-882-9539 or visit dea.gov for a full list of drop off sites on April 29.
Permanent drug disposal boxes continue to be available throughout Erie County, including at the Erie County Sheriff’s substation at 65 Franklin Street in the village of Springville.