National Drug Take-Back Day In Oneonta

Fox Hospital, with the support of the Otsego County Sheriff’s department will partner to host the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. This initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs (only pills or patches) and educating the public about medication abuse and addiction. Area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of controlled substances as well as regular medications.

Bring your prescription drugs for safe disposal to the following locations in Oneonta:

- FoxCare Center Pharmacy: One FoxCare Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820 Oneonta Police
- Department - Public Safety Building: 79 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820
- SUNY Oneonta Police Department: 1 Alumni Hall, Oneonta, NY 13820

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.