Reminder: Ritchie to Host “Shed the Meds” Event Tuesday

More than 300 Pounds of Pills Disposed of So Far Through Initiative

State Senator Patty Ritchie is reminding those who have unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs in their homes to drop them off at her free “Shed the Meds” event Tuesday night.

The event—which is the fourth of a series to take place in Northern New York—will run from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gouverneur Hospital, located at 77 West Barney Street.  So far, as a result of Senator Ritchie’s Shed the Meds program, more than 300 pounds of medications including painkillers, opioids and narcotics—substances which are often times gateway drugs for addiction to illegal substances such as heroin—have been disposed of. 

“In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in addictions to prescription drugs as well as the crimes that accompany this type of drug abuse,” said Senator Ritchie.  “My Shed the Meds events are giving people a safe, responsible way to dispose of the pills that sit unused or expired in their medicine cabinets.”

“I would like to thank Gouverneur Hospital as well as the Gouverneur Police Department for helping me to host these special events.  As a result of our efforts, prescription drugs will be kept out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them.”

There is no limit to the number or type of medicines that residents may bring for disposal. In addition St. Lawrence County residents may drop off medications at the Public Safety Building, located at 48 Court Street in Canton during normal business hours.