Date April 23, 2014                         

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

 8^th Annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day This Saturday

 Unused & Unwanted Drugs Can Be Surrendered on April 26^th between 10 am – 2 pm

ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) strongly encourages all residents to take advantageof the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted drugs at this Saturday’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

 “This is a convenient way to ensure that unused drugs do not fall into the wrong hands” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Unused medications in a home are a public health and safety concern. They can be accidentally ingested if mistaken for another drug, misused or abused by other family members or visitors to your house and even make your home a target for theft.”

There are 13 collections sites throughout Erie County. To find a nearby collection site, visit www.dea.gov and click on the “Got Drugs?” icon and enter a zip code to find the nearest locations.  Residents without internet access can also call 800-882-9539 to find the nearest site. 

 Burstein concluded: “It is important to note that this service is free and anonymous and no questions will be asked. We also want to thank all of our law enforcement partners for their cooperation in administering and staffing the drop-off locations. Their assistance is invaluable in helping to properly dispose of these potentially harmful drugs.”           

 Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites--liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted. 

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For more information:

Erie County Department of Health – http://www2.erie.gov/health/

Drug Enforcement Administration – www.dea.gov