The community is invited to bring unused prescription drugs to the Hoosick Falls Village Police Department during “Prescription Take Back Day” on Saturday, October 29, from 10 am to 2 pm. This opportunity to safely discard unwanted medications is sponsored by the Hoosick Area Youth Center and Community Coalition (HAYC3).
Abuse of prescription drugs has skyrocketed among teens. Most youths abusing these drugs say they obtained them from their friends or relatives without their knowledge. The first place they often find them is in a medicine cabinet. Many teens believe using prescription or over the counter medicines to get high is safer and less risky than using street drugs. They can also obtain them for free.
“HAYC3 and prevention groups throughout the country believe the first step in ending this abuse is to limit the availability of prescription and over the counter medications,” said Executive Director Aelish Nealon. “Safe disposal of these items during an event such as ‘Prescription Take Back Day’ is one solution.”
To prepare for the collection day, take a thorough inventory of all the prescription drugs and over the counter medicines in your home. Check the medicine cabinet, drawers, closets, etc. Note whether the drugs are expired or if they are still needed. Keep in mind that drugs that have been around for a long time should not be taken as they may be harmful to the patient, no longer potent or contribute to overdose or complications when mixed with any new prescriptions you or your family members may be taking.
The prescription drug take back program is free and anonymous. Please take the time to black out any personal information that may appear on prescription bottles, such as your name or birth date. All prescription drugs and over the counter tablets and capsules will be accepted. No intravenous solutions, injectables or needles, please. Illicit drugs, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are not part of this collection initiative.
All collected drugs will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
For additional information, please call Aelish Nealon at 518-686-9050.