Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, July 22

Sullivan County, NY – The Sullivan County Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force (a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network led by Sullivan County Public Health Services) is again partnering with local law enforcement agencies and Catholic Charities of Orange/Sullivan to announce another Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday, July 22.

Well over 500 pounds of unwanted prescription medications have been collected over the past year 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 to combat drug abuse and to ensure our communities are safe through appropriate disposal of unwanted drugs and 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 on the streets but have improved access for residents for safe disposal sites. The environment is also being protected because people are not flushing them or throwing them in the garbage, which ends up in a landfill.” 

These medications are safely disposed of through a partnership with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office on County-sponsored Take Back Days, who transport the medications for incineration in Poughkeepsie. 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 (one day only) on July 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Manor Pharmacy in Livingston Manor and at NYC DEP  Police Precinct on Rt. 42 in Grahamsville.  The permanent locations 24/7 are the Fallsburg, Liberty, and Monticello Police Stations. A fourth drop off location is available at the Dept. of Family Services in Liberty from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. 

The Sullivan County Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network, meets regularly at Sullivan County Public Health Services to discuss ideas for prevention strategies and outreach events.   For more information, please call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845-292-5910 x2222.