Hospital holds prescription drop off

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A local hospital has started a new program to reduce some of the dangers associated with prescription drugs.

Kenmore Mercy held its first pharmaceutical drop off program.

The hospital collected expired and unwanted medications.

Officials said proper disposal of these drugs keeps them out of the hands of drug abusers and keeps them out of our water supply.

Frank Scarpinato said, "Every time people are pouring these down the toilet, flushing them out, they're going right out to the lake. Our waste water system isn't designed to filter these out. And these pharmaceuticals are starting to impact the ecology. Fish are starting to change gender, we're seeing altered birth rates,"

The pharmaceutical drop off was held in conjunction with Catholic Health and Erie County.