Drop-off event for prescription drugs on Long Island aims to fight narcotics abuse
- Residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties can safely dispose of unused prescription drugs during a drug take-back event.
- The event aims to reduce narcotics abuse and environmental impacts from improper drug disposal.
- Participants are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to prevent medications from harming the community.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties will participate in a crucial drug take-back event aimed at safely disposing of unused prescription medications. This initiative is part of the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which allows community members to drop off their expired or unused drugs and help combat the ongoing opioid crisis. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations in both counties. For many years, health officials have emphasized the importance of proper medication disposal, as unused prescriptions often lead to drug abuse among individuals who might misuse leftover pain medications, particularly narcotics like oxycodone. Jack Kann, director of pharmacy at Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, noted that most drug abuse starts with access to extra pain meds. This event serves as a preventive measure to safeguard both public health and the environment. Environmentally, improper drug disposal can result in harmful pharmaceuticals contaminating water supplies when flushed down toilets or discarded in sinks. According to Dawn Harmon, a director for a waste management company, proper disposal is crucial for ecosystem health. The efforts in Nassau and Suffolk align with broader goals to decrease addiction risks and protect local water systems. Community leaders are eager to encourage participation, seeking to reduce the chance of prescription drugs ending up in the wrong hands through responsible disposal.