HUDSON—Those looking to get rid of their unused, unwanted or expired medications can now visit one of the new permanent drop box locations at the Hudson Police Station, 423 Warren Street, or at the Columbia County Public Safety Building, 85 Industrial Tract, Greenport. Both Med-Return Boxes were purchased with funds provided by Catholic Charities Prevention Program.
Abuse of prescription drugs is a major problem. These disposal boxes will help keep excess prescription and over-the-counter medications out of the hands of youth and substance abusers. The disposal boxes will also help to reduce environmental contamination by keeping unused or unwanted medications out of landfills and water systems. The Med-Return Boxes will be accessible to the public 24-hours a day and there is no paperwork required.
The law enforcement agencies will store the collected medications in a secure area, and turn them over to federal authorities for proper disposal.
At both locations, all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, medicated ointments and liquid medications in leak-proof containers will be accepted. Items that cannot be discarded at the drop box locations include thermometers, syringes, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste and aerosol cans or inhalers.
Seven county youngsters went to camp
GREENPORT—Seven children from Columbia County attended the 2014 New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s Summer Camp last week.
Attendees were Edward Smith, Ethan Garbarini, Ashlyn and George Hunter, Brandon Alexander, Trinity LaValley and Adrianna Dunn.
The camp provides a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. This year marked the 37th year of the camp’s operation, according to a press release from Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett.
Located near Penn Yan in Yates County, camp is supported by the Sheriffs’ Association’s Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues. This year the camp accommodated more than 900 youngsters from across the State. “This is a great opportunity for our county youth and I personally want to thank Columbia County residents for donating and making this possible. “We have found from past experiences that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce the laws, the deputies become their friends,” Sheriff Bartlett said in the release.
Throughout the week-long stay, campers participate in and observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State, including Drug Abuse Resistance Education presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions multiple sporting events and a talent show.