Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R,I-Guilford) announced today that they would be jointly sponsoring a forum to discuss proper and safe ways for Southern Tier Health Facilities to dispose of pharmaceutical waste. The event will take place on Thursday, April 15, 2010, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Town of Chenango Town Hall Community Room in Binghamton, NY.

“Due to recent issues regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal in Delaware County, we have decided to host this forum to share information and develop a dialogue with Southern Tier health facilities on how they can efficiently and cost-effectively dispose of used and unused pharmaceutical waste safely without being penalized or putting the public or environment at risk,” said Assemblyman Crouch. “The issue of pharmaceuticals in water supplies has brought the handling and disposal of pharmaceuticals to the forefront. This issue is not confined to the New York City Watershed, but is a statewide concern.”

“In addition to discussing pharmaceutical waste disposal, we will also review various proposals regarding the return, reuse and recycling of prescription drugs. We are seeking input from health care professionals who have first hand knowledge of this important topic,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo.

Lupardo and Crouch also expressed that they would assist in introducing legislation, if needed, to facilitate changes in statute or regulation to promote efficient protocols that preserve the public health and environmental needs regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal and/or recycling. They said that it was their goal to come to a safe agreement that works for the facilities, the state and for the residents of the Southern Tier.