Prescription Drugs - Levittown Community Action Coalition

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 – it’s a common practice, but 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 wants to abuse them. It can also prevent someone in your house from accidentally taking the wrong medication. And when there are children and teens in the house, 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 be found. In 2015, the majority of opioid-related deaths (63%) involved prescription drugs. That’s why it’s vital to safely dispose of unneeded and expired prescriptions. There are safe Drug Take Back disposal sites available throughout Levittown.

COMING SOON: Click Here for an interactive tool to find a disposal location near you.

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 Drug Take Back Day

The best way to dispose of your unwanted and unused prescription drugs is to a collection program or event – the LCAC DRUG TAKE BACK Days happen 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

Town of Hempstead allows certain pharmacies to take back drugs. Click HERE for a location near you.
COMING SOON: See interactive Map.

Local Police Departments

Residents can also bring them to any Nassau County Police Department and dispose of them in a drop box in the lobby. Disposal at the precincts is available 24 hours a day. Please note NCPD does not take liquids, ointments or needless.

Click here for a listing of all Nassau County Police Department Precincts.

IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS PRESCRIBED PAIN MEDICATION, ask your health care provider these important questions:

Drug Database