Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has installed a drug disposal drop off box in its Emergency Department Waiting Room. Members of the public can use this service to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications in a safe and secure manner.
The box is accessible 24/7, and is monitored by security cameras. “This is one more way to keep drugs out of our water supply and out of the hands of children,” said Heather Hodson, PharmD, pharmacy department director. “We encourage our patients and area residents to clear out unused and expired pills, tablets, liquids, ointments and eye drops regularly from their cabinets and drawers.”
Although medications are accepted, needles and medical supplies should not be disposed of through ths location. This box was made possible by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through its Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program.
Additional drop off boxes are available in Erie County at many local substations, including the ones in Springville and Boston.