Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday | Hudsonvalley360.com

“This is a great way to start a conversation,” said Hannah Calhoun, executive director of the coalition. “Addiction can have a serious impact on people and it is our duty to provide the community with the information and support they need on an issue like this. We encourage people to come and get rid of the drugs they have that they don't need anymore.”

The event will take place at four locations throughout Greene County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The aim of the initiative is to facilitate the safe disposal of unused or expired medications while promoting a community dialogue about addiction.

The coalition is strengthened by funding from opioid settlement agreements and grants from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Calhoun said.

“We have been provided with numerous resources to assist with events like this,” Calhoun said. “We are committed to promoting collaboration and coordination to expand prevention, education and treatment efforts.”

The locations participating in Drug Take Back Day are: Windham Pharmacy, 61 Route 296, Windham; the Coxsackie Police Department, 119 Mansion St., Coxsackie; the Greene County Sheriff's Office, 80 Bridge St., Catskill; and the CVS Pharmacy at 7600 Route 32, Cairo.

Participants are encouraged to return prescription and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, veterinary medications, and liquid medications.

Calhoun said the importance of community-wide participation in these programs teaches responsibility in several ways.

“Those returning medications will be provided with a lockable bag to safely store medications,” she added. “This is useful if you're going on holiday, for example, where you might want to keep children's medication, sleeping pills or other loose prescriptions.” It's an easy way for people to use their medication responsibly. We are also offering participants a food incentive by returning their medications through a raffle.”

The coalition, in collaboration with Greene County Public Health, has worked diligently to ensure Drug Take Back Day runs smoothly, with a focus on prevention education.

“This is only the second time we have hosted this event, but we are committed to educating our community,” Calhoun said. “It is a straightforward but important task and we can learn from each other through our participation.”