On Saturday, Sept. 27, the North Shore-LIJ Health System will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. We will be accepting unused or expired medication for safe disposal at 13 sites across Long Island, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 20 percent of Americans have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons. Prescription and over-the-counter medications also account for most of the commonly abused illicit drugs by high school seniors, and the majority of adolescents using these drugs obtain them from friends or relatives. This abuse is a serious and growing problem. By providing convenient locations for the disposal of medications, we hope to curb access to these drugs, which while beneficial when taken as prescribed, can become addictive and dangerous when used for nonmedical purposes. In last April’s Drug Take-Back initiative, North Shore-LIJ facilities collected 863 lbs. of unused or expired medications at its facilities, for a total of 4,800 pounds since 2010.
Proper disposal of medications can benefit our health and environment. Nationwide studies by the United States Geological Survey found that low levels of drugs, including antibiotics, hormones and steroids, existed in 80 percent of the rivers and streams tested. By dropping off medications for disposal instead of throwing them away improperly, we help protect our drinking water sources and environment.
From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 you can drop off medications at any of the sites listed below:
- Lenox Hill Hospital, 77th Street Lobby
- Forest Hills Hospital, Lobby
- Franklin Hospital, Lobby
- Glen Cove Hospital, Emergency Department lobby
- North Shore University Hospital, Drive-up
- Staten Island University Hospital-North, Drive-up
- Staten Island University Hospital-South, Drive-up
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Drive-up (Katz main entrance)
- North Shore-LIJ Medical Group Urgent Care Center Bethpage, Lobby
- Huntington Hospital, Lobby
- Plainview Hospital, Drive-up
- Southside Hospital, Drive-up
- Syosset Hospital, Drive-upFor more information on this national initiative, visit the Drug Enforcement Administration National Take-Back Initiative.
