Saratoga Hospital has installed a new drug take-back receptacle that is ready for public use in the entrance of the Alfred E. Solomon Emergency Department across from the Public Safety office. The receptacle is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for any member of the public to dispose of prescription medications.

“A safe place to dispose of prescription drugs is a necessity that saves lives,” said Angelo G. Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “Individuals can simply walk in any time, day or night, and just drop it in the box and leave. This is one of the many ways we can continue to support the health and well-being of our community.”

Laurie Cronin, PharmD, RPh, CGP, Saratoga Hospital’s director of pharmacy, explained that too many people improperly dispose of their unused prescriptions by flushing them or throwing them away. Sometimes they are forgotten in a drawer, where children or others can obtain them.

“It is important to provide options to our community for the safe and responsible disposal of their unused or unwanted, lawfully possessed medications,” said Dr. Cronin. “Take-back containers prevent medications from being misused or ending up in our water system.”

There are two other 24/7 drug take-back drop boxes available in the county. They are at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department in Ballston Spa and the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Saratoga Hospital’s Alfred E. Solomon Emergency Department is located at 211 Church Street in Saratoga Springs. The entrance is on the Myrtle Street side of the hospital. For more information, visit saratogahospital.org or call 518-583-8313.