Bassett Healthcare Network is encouraging people to safely dispose of their unwanted or expired prescription medication during Drug Take Back Week. From April 22 through April 27 (April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day), Bassett will offer three locations for local residents to dispose of their medications in collection kiosks. The disposal kiosks are a free, safe and secure way to get rid of unwanted prescription medication during Drug Take Back Week and throughout the year.
Removing leftover prescription drugs from the home is important in preventing medication misuse and helps to reduce the number of individuals who may become addicted to over-the-counter or controlled medication.
In addition, safe and proper disposal also keeps medications out of waterways and landfills, such as when medications are flushed away or disposed of in the garbage.
In 2018, Bassett participated in drug take-back efforts by establishing a pilot program in which medication disposal bins were placed at its outpatient pharmacies where people could drop off their prescription medication with no questions asked. Over the past year, Bassett pharmacies have collected more than 1,800 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription medication.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a 2016 national survey found that 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs and a majority of those drugs were obtained through family or friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.
Bassett Healthcare Network outpatient pharmacy drug take back locations include:
- Bassett Medical Center, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326 (607) 547-6681
Kiosk: Clinic lobby near outpatient pharmacy | Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - O'Connor Hospital, 460 Andes Road, Delhi, NY, 13753 (607) 746-0337
Kiosk: Outpatient pharmacy waiting area | Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - FoxCare Pharmacy, 1 FoxCare Drive, Suite 215, Oneonta, NY 13820 (607) 431-5959
Kiosk: Outpatient pharmacy waiting area | Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. 1 p.m.
