(Liberty, NY 4:40pm) - The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network led by Sullivan County Public Health Services, is once again partnering with local law enforcement agencies and Catholic Charities of Orange & Sullivan to announce another Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at area police stations and the Grover M. Hermann Hospital division of CRMC, located 2 miles south of the Village of Callicoon on New York State Route 97.
Over 1700 pounds of unwanted prescription medications have been collected over the past three years as a result of numerous sponsored Take Back Days and the 24/7 availability of Drug Drop Boxes placed throughout the county. Sullivan County Public Health Director, Nancy McGraw, indicates that Take Back Days continue to be a successful local public health initiative based on collaborative efforts of many agencies working together to combat drug abuse and to ensure our communities are safe through appropriate disposal of unused medications. “We have not only made an impact on reducing the likelihood of prescription drugs falling into the wrong hands and being abused or sold to youth, but have improved access for residents for safe disposal sites.” These medications are safely disposed of through a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office on county sponsored Take Back Days, who transport the medications for incineration. No questions are asked of those dropping off unwanted pills. They can be sealed in a plastic bag or in vials with labels removed or identifying information crossed out with a magic marker. No liquids or needles can be accepted.
Unwanted pills can be dropped off from 10:00 am -1:00 pm at the Grover Hermann Hospital Lobby on Take Back Day on Jan. 21 only, and at these permanent locations on Take Back Day and any time throughout the year: the Fallsburg, Liberty, and Monticello Police stations. A fourth drop off location is available at the Department of Family Services (Robert Travis Building) in Liberty from 8am- 5 pm weekdays.
The Sullivan County Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force meets at Sullivan County Public Health Services to discuss ideas for prevention strategies and outreach events. Call (845) 292-5910 x 2222 for information.
