BCMH Pharmacy Introduces New Prescription Medication Disposal Method
DRUG DISPOSAL SOLUTIONS TACKLE MEDICATION MISUSE; PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO DISPOSE OF UNUSED DRUGS
Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) Pharmacy is partnering with Sharps Compliance, Inc. to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug misuse by providing solutions to safely dispose of opioid painkillers and other unused medications.
MedSafe®drug collection and disposal receptacle is now located outside of the BCMH Pharmacy for the safe and anonymous disposal of unused or expired medicines and controlled substances.
Most Americans recognize that prescription drug misuse is a growing problem and one that flourishes in all communities.
“We often receive questions from our customers asking how they can safely get rid of their unused medications,” said Lauren Casey, Pharm.D, Director of Pharmacy. “We’re happy to be able to give back to our community and customers by providing a safe solution to getting unused medications out of their homes and harm’s way.”
Customers can bring in their unused pills to the pharmacy and drop them into a Sharps Compliance MedSafe, a specially designed receptacle for the safe, cost-effective, and convenient way to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs.
“Safe disposal of prescription medication is a vital strategy for preventing prescription drug misuse and keeping the water supply safe,” said David P. Tusa, president and chief executive officer Sharps Compliance, Inc. “We are thrilled to partner with pharmacies and healthcare organizations to provide a convenient method to dispose of unwanted medications.”
Since 2009, Sharps Compliance – a nationwide provider of management services for medical waste and unused medication, including controlled substances – has sold or leased more than 5,700 MedSafe receptacles and collected over 2.8 million pounds of unused medications.
The MedSafe receptacles are securely installed and can only be accessed and emptied by two pharmacy employees as required by the DEA guidelines.
MedSafe receptacles are located in retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, hospitals and clinics with on-site pharmacies, law enforcement, government agencies, and narcotic treatment facilities.
At BCMH, the MedSafe receptacle is accessible to individuals when the hospital’s front doors are open, Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. The receptacle is located just outside of the pharmacy, across the hall from Rehabilitation Services.
