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

Amy Purdy Delivers Keynote Address at TTUHSC Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health Power of the Purse Luncheon

American snowboarder, motivational speaker and author Amy Purdy delivered the keynote address at the Power of the Purse luncheon and fundraiser on April 10.

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.

Recent Stories

Research

TTUHSC Teams Selected for 2025 Innosphere Life Sciences Accelerator Cohort

A pair of teams representing TTUHSC earned a spot among the 33 startup groups selected for the 2025 cohort of the Innosphere Life Sciences Accelerator.

Research

Exploring New Frontiers in Patient Care

Jenna Kesey, Ph.D., associate managing director for the Clinical Research Institute (CRI) at TTUHSC, said it's important that the university provides opportunities for its patients to have access to innovative therapies through the clinical trial process.

Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated

On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.