Texas Tech Health Sciences Center to Host Spring Medication Cleanout April 27th
To provide a safe, secure and environmentally friendly way for people to properly dispose of expired, unwanted or unnecessary medications, the Texas Panhandle Poison Center (TPPC), managed by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, will host Abilene’s annual Spring Medication Cleanout™ event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 (Saturday) outside the TTUHSC School of Nursing building, 1674 Pine Street.
Medication Cleanout™ features a drive-thru, drop-off format which allows residents to conveniently dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications without leaving their cars. The program also provides disposal services for syringes and sharps. Yard signs will be posted to help drivers locate the drive-thru path.
“With spring cleaning upon us, don’t forget about medications!” TPPC Managing Director Jeanie Shawhart, Pharm.D., said. “It’s time to go through your home to collect any medications which are no longer being used. Even if they aren’t expired, cleaning them out is a good idea. Otherwise, they pose a risk for poisoning and drug overdose.”
Shawhart added that bringing items to Medication Cleanout™ also ensures they will not end up in the landfill or sewer system, where they could eventually make their way into our drinking water.
“Old medications become potential sources of poisoning to young children or may be accessed by teens experimenting with drugs,” Shawhart said. “They also pose a hazard for adults and elderly as they increase the risk of choosing the wrong bottle or taking medications that are no longer required.”
Medications should be left in their original containers. Because of environmental restrictions, only medications from households can be accepted. Medications from clinics, pharmacies and other businesses are not allowed.
Volunteers providing support for the event include staff from the TPPC and students, faculty and staff from the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health.
For more information, call 325-696-0425 or visit MedicationCleanout.com.
Spring Medication Cleanout
1674 Pine St.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Saturday, April 27th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
(325) 696-0425
MedicationCleanout.com
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