Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office will host the annual American Medicine Chest Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Medications can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters at the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St.  A sheriff’s officer will be stationed at the entrance to collect medications.

Residents are encouraged to drop off any unused, unwanted or expired medications in re-closable plastic zipper-type bags. Pills can be emptied into the bags and the containers can be discarded beforehand. Needles and syringes of any kind cannot be accepted. The program is free and anonymous.

“The event is a safe way for residents to dispose of unwanted medicines that are in their homes,” said Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano. “Nationally, millions of Americans over the age of 12 have reported misusing prescription drugs.  Together we can help eliminate abused prescription drugs – and reduce the hazard they pose to our families and friends – in a safe, legal and environmentally sound way.”

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office has collected over 2,400 pounds of prescription drugs in the last two years, including 110 pounds during the Rx Mission Drive-in/Drop-off event held in Hillsborough on Oct. 26.

“At the American Medicine Chest Challenge event in Somerset County last November, residents turned in over 50 pounds of medications,” said Sheriff Provenzano. “I hope people will be able to again find the time to go through their homes and collect outdated and unused medications for proper disposal this month.”

County residents unable to make the Nov. 9 drop-off may bring medications to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Project Medicine Drop box 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no questions asked.  The drop box is located in the lower level of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, N.J. 08876, near the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office.

For more information about prescription medicine collection, contact Lt. Steve SanAntonio at (908) 231-7168 or Officer Thomas Wallace at (908) 231-7138.