Poughkeepsie meds drop-off slated for April 27

People in the Poughkeepsie area will have an opportunity to safely dispose of old and unused prescription medications on April 27.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local residents can drop off their expired, unwanted and potentially dangerous meds at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on Route 9. Officers from the Town of Poughkeepsie will man a booth on the galleria's second floor to collect the prescription drugs, and cops say people can bring in their scripts anonymously, with no questions asked.

The event is part of a nationwide effort to clean up America's medicine cabinets to prevent accidental poisoning, overdoses and abuse. With prescription drug abuse and prescription-related overdoses skyrocketing over the last several years, the Drug Enforcement Administration warns that addictions can start with pain pills or sedatives kids might find at home.

On Sept. 19, 2012, dubbed National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Americans turned in 244 tons of unused prescription drugs. The DEA-coordinated effort on April 27 is part of the agency's ongoing "National Take-Back Initiative."

Readers in other parts of the Hudson Valley can call 800-882-9539 to find a closer drop-off location.