Turn In Unused Rx Drugs
Saturday, Apr. 26 is the National Prescription Drug Take- Back Day, and everyone is encouraged to come to the 112th Precinct’s Forest Hills stationhouse between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to turn in their expired prescriptions or unused prescriptions.
The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will be at the 112th Precinct, located at 68-40 Austin St. People can turn in these drugs anonymously.
The event, sponsored by the DEA, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Our residents are urged to turn in their unwanted prescription drugs. There is also a drop off center at Forest Hills Hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers prescription drug abuse an epidemic. There is a problem when other people in the household are found to be abusing pills from family members. A 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that many who report abusing prescription pills got the medication from family members or someone they knew.
To help ensure the safe disposal of medications, the State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New York State Police (NYSP), and State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are encouraging New Yorkers to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,.
For more information and public awareness materials, regarding the appropriate use of prescription drugs, available on the DOH website:https://www.health.ny.gov/pr ofessionals/narcotic/prescription_ dru g_ abuse_ awareness/.
In addition to the health risks, the improper disposal of prescription drugs, can cause environmental contamination. The DEA’s take-back event allows for households to dispose of unwanted and expired medications in an environmentallyconscious fashion.
Low levels of drugs have been found in the waters of New York State and may have an adverse effect on aquatic life.
For more than five years, the DEC has been working to reduce the release of unused drugs into its waters through the “Don’t Flush Your Drugs” campaign. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue and helps to protect New York’s waters.
Other news
On Monday, Apr. 21, there will be a blood drive at the 112th Precinct stationhouse between 12 and 6 p.m. All who are able to donate are encouraged to do so. For information, call the 112th Precinct Community Affairs Unit at 1-718-520-9321.
Thursday, Apr. 24 will be our April Precinct Community Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the precinct. Our guest speaker will be the Honorable Richard Brown, Queens District Attorney.
Editor’s note: Heidi Harrison Chain is president of the 112th Precinct Community Council.
