GOUVERNEUR -- State Senator Patty Ritchie is reminding the public that a “Shed the Meds” drug take-back event will take place Wednesday, May 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gouverneur Hospital.

Hosted along with Gouverneur Hospital, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and the Gouverneur Police Department, the event is being held to help people responsibly dispose of unwanted or expired medications, as well as to protect the environment and prevent the potential abuse of prescription drugs.

“Little pills can pose a big problem if they are disposed of improperly, or if they end up in the wrong hands,” Ritchie said. Through the event, which is being held as a part of National Nurses Week, local residents will be able to drop off unwanted or expired prescription medications to the new hospital lobby at Gouverneur Hospital.

In past years, Sen. Ritchie has hosted other drug take-back events throughout the region she represents. As a result, nearly 400 pounds of unused and expired medications have been disposed of.

“In the past, these events have proven to be successful in helping people to dispose of their expired and unwanted medications responsibly. I’m hopeful that North Country residents will take advantage of this opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and protect the public health at the same time.”

St. Lawrence County residents unable to attend the May 11 drug take-back event can dispose of medications seven days a week at the Public Safety Building, 48 Court St., Canton.