The 'Do Not Flush Medicine' Message Goes Big Apple

New York, NY, January 5, 2012 — Some call it the crossroads of the world. Annually, over 450 million people pass through this historic and dazzling site.

Since late December 2011 (which included the world famous New Year’s Eve celebration that attracts many, many thousands) Sea Grant and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are informing audiences on the issue of medicine disposal on the CBS JumboTron “Super Screen.” The 15-second spot will run through March 31 about 18 times every day or about every 80 minutes. The screen is located on 42nd Street between 7th and 8th avenues in Times Square Plaza.

The public service announcement is raising awareness on the importance of not flushing unused medicine. Audiences are informed that medicines can contaminate lakes, rivers and drinking water, posing a threat to people, animals, and the environment.


This video is showing on the CBS Jumbotron in Times Square through March 31, 2012.
This is a collaboration between Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the National Sea Grant College Program and the American Veterinary Association.

This opportunity came about as a result of the publicity related to the partnership between NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program and the AVMA, which was officially established in November in a Memorandum of Understanding. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is conducting the MOU on behalf of National Sea Grant on the issue of medications dispensed for animals as well as people.

Since 2010, Sea Grant programs in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Illinois and Indiana have been educating people about the problems associated with pharmaceuticals and personal care products. In Fall 2010, these Great Lakes Sea Grant program began distributing a 12-page educational publication, "Dose of Reality: Remedies to keep everyday chemicals out of waterways" (pdf).

For more, check out NYSG's unwanted medicines resources or our "Dose of Reality" resources. You can also visit unwantedmeds.org to learn some sensible disposal options for unused medicine or contact Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant's Laura Kammin or more information on medicine collection programs. In New York, the contact is New York Sea Grant's Coastal Education Specialist Helen Domske.


On YouTube: Sea Grant's "Don't Flush Medicine" message goes Big Apple