TTUHSC to Host Lubbock’s Spring Medication Cleanout™

students help with Lubbock's medication cleanout

Medication Cleanout™ allows residents to dispose of their medications without leaving their cars.

To provide a safe 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 Lubbock’s Spring Medication Cleanout™ event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 (Saturday) at the Texas Tech Physicians Medical Pavilion, 3601 Fourth St.

Medication Cleanout™ employs a drive-thru, drop-off format that allows residents to conveniently dispose of their 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.

cars in line for Lubbock's medication cleanout

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22

“Old medications become potential sources of poisoning to young children or may be accessed by teens experimenting with drugs,” TPPC Managing Director Jeanie Shawhart, Pharm.D., 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.

“Taking a few minutes to clean out your medication could be a life-saving task because poisoning, including medication overdose, is the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the country,” Shawhart, who also is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, stressed. “Now is the time to clean out your medicine cabinets and remove these items from your homes to reduce the risk of poisoning by medications.”

Volunteers providing support for the event include staff from TPPC, the Texas Tech University (TTU) Police Department and the Department of Community, Family and Addiction Services at the TTU College of Human Sciences. Pre-pharmacy students from TTU and students from the TTUHSC Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing also are volunteering for the event. For more information, call (806) 414-9495 or visit MedicationCleanout.com.

Related Stories

Campus Life

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Unveils Craddicks’ Honorary Name for Physician Assistant Studies Program

TTUHSC unveiled a new name for a decade-old program on Oct. 15. The Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program honors Rep. Tom Craddick and his wife Nadine.

Campus Life

TTUHSC Named a ‘2024 Great College to Work For®’

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center TTUHSC was again named one of the best colleges in the U.S. to work for, with special designation as an “Honor Roll” institution, according to a recent survey by The Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Campus Life

Gov. Abbott Appoints TTUHSC’s Varma to Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee

Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s (TTUHSC) Surendra Varma, M.D., to the Texas Medical Board (TMB) District Three Review Committee for a term set to expire January 15, 2026.

Recent Stories

Health

Your Office Squad: A How to Guide

Lynn Jennings, PhD, LPC-S, LSOTP-S, and Nicole Noble, PhD, LPC-S, joined the TTU Health Check podcast to share their expertise and advice on fostering connections in the workplace.

Education

Alumni Spotlight: Sister Duo Offers Local, Personalized Allied Health Services

Abagale (Abby) Chapman, OT (2014), and Hannah Cowden, SLP (2017), are sisters working together to help children in Lubbock and the surrounding areas become the greatest version of themselves.

Education

TTUHSC Faculty Receive Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching and Research Awards

Recognizing academic excellence, the honors are the most prestigious awards granted to faculty throughout the TTU System.