How you can help: Prevent. Don’t Provide
Safe Storage
How and where should I store prescription painkillers?
Do you store your prescription opioids (or narcotics) and other medications in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom? You’re not alone. While this is a common practice, storing your medications in an easily accessible place means they’re available for children, teens, or others to find and abuse.
Store Them Out of Sight
Keeping your prescription painkillers secure and out of sight can prevent them from falling into the hands of someone who may abuse them. It can also prevent someone in your house from accidentally taking the wrong medication. And when there are children and teens present, it’s best to keep them out of sight and out of reach.
Lock Them Up
Storing your prescription painkillers and other medications in a lockbox, safe, or locked medicine cabinet is one of the most effective ways to prevent abuse or accidental use. Many companies offer lockable medication storage options.
Safely Dispose of Them
Unused medications are a disaster waiting to happen. According to the CDC, opioids were involved in 49,860 overdose deaths in 2019 (70.6% of all drug overdose deaths).. That’s why it’s vital to safely dispose of unneeded and expired prescriptions. There are safe Prescription Drug Take Back disposal sites available throughout Levittown.
Never Flush or Drain
Unused or expired prescription medications should never be flushed or poured down the drain. These potentially dangerous pharmaceutical substances can contribute to contamination of our water supply if not disposed of properly.
Programs and Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The best way to dispose of your unwanted and unused prescription drugs is by bringing them to a collection program or event. LCAC Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held in the Spring and Fall of each year. You may safely dispose of controlled and uncontrolled substances, over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, creams, non-aerosol sprays, vials, and pet medications at these events.
Mail-Back Programs
You can purchase mail-back packages from your doctor, pharmacy, or local police station. Legitimate packages should include pre-paid postage, unique ID numbers, and be pre-addressed to a location authorized by the DEA. Avoid leaving packages in unsecured mailboxes.
Local Levittown Disposal Locations
The Town of Hempstead allows certain pharmacies to take back drugs. You can search locations by your area code or city here.
Local Police Departments
Residents can also bring unused or expired medications to any Nassau County Police Department and dispose of them in a drop box in the precinct’s lobby. Disposal at the precincts is available 24 hours a day. Please note NCPD does not take liquids, ointments or needles.
Click here for a listing of all Nassau County Police Department Precincts.