The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 23, 2014) – The Sullivan County Prescription Drug Task Force, (a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network lead by Public Health Services), the US Department of Justice, and the Recovery Center are again partnering to announce another Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at various locations throughout the County from 10 am – 2 pm, with a new location (this day only) in Wurtsboro at the New York State Police station on Rt. 209, from 10-2 pm that day.

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, would like to thank the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, Recovery Center, and members of the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force for making this a successful public health initiative. “It is because of the efforts of caring, concerned public officials and community leaders working together that we have been able to make a difference for our communities. We have not only reduced the likelihood of prescription drugs falling into the wrong hands and being abused or sold, but have improved access for residents for safe disposal sites; we are also protecting the environment at the same time 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 Sheriff’s office on county
sponsored Take Back Days, and by the DEA on national Take Back Days – who transport the medications for incineration.

The New York State Police Station (Troop F, Zone 1) at 6509 State Route 97, Narrowsburg, NY is the home of a fourth permanent Prescription Drug Drop Box purchased by Sullivan County Public Health Services with Rural Health Network grant funds. Residents must call ahead to the Narrowsburg location to make arrangements for drop off times to ensure an officer is on duty in Narrowsburg (252-3212 or 292-6600). Three other permanent drop boxes are located and available 24/7 at the Fallsburg Police Station, the Liberty Police Station, and the Monticello Police Station. The Sullivan County Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, a subcommittee of the Rural Health Network, meets 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.