Help Prevent Medication Misuse and Dispose of Unused Medications
TTUHSC to Host Fall Medication Cleanout
The drive-thru event provides residents with an environmentally responsible way to dispose of their unwanted medications and sharps.
Organized by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, the Texas Panhandle Poison Center (TPPC) is hosting this year’s Fall Medication Cleanout in Lubbock from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 (Saturday) outside the Texas Tech Physicians Medical Pavilion, 3601 Fourth St.
Aiming to prevent misuse and abuse of prescription medication, the drive-thru event provides residents with an environmentally responsible way to dispose of their unwanted medications and sharps. With yard signs directing drivers, the added convenience of staying in their cars allows for an easy drop-off experience.
Volunteers providing support for the event include staff from the TPPC, TTU Police Department, TTU Department of Community, Family and Addiction Services and TTUHSC pharmacy and nursing students.
“It’s time to go through your home to collect any medications that are no longer being used,” TTPC Managing Director Jeanie Shawhart, Pharm.D., said. “Even if they aren’t expired, it’s a good idea to clean them out. Otherwise, they are a risk for poisoning and drug overdose.”
Shawhart said it is eye-opening to see how much unused medication is out there. Unused medications around young children or teens pose a deadly risk and can be extremely harmful to the community. Only household medications can be accepted and it’s recommended to leave them in the original containers. Medications from clinics, pharmacies and other businesses are not allowed.
“By bringing these items to Medication Cleanout you can rest easier,” Shawhart said. “Know that you’ve reduced risk in your home and that your items will not end up in the sewer system or landfill where they could eventually make their way into our drinking water.”
Volunteers providing support for the event include staff from the TPPC, Texas Tech University (TTU) Police Department and the Department of Community, Family and Addiction Services at the TTU College of Human Sciences. Student volunteers from the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing will be there as well. For more information or to volunteer, call (806) 414-9495 or visit the Medication Cleanout website.
Related Stories
TTUHSC Free Breast Examination Program Expands to Concho Valley
Women in San Angelo and rural communities in the region now have close-to-home access to early breast examination technology at no cost.
The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Announced
TTUHSC is collaborating with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and has established the Big Cure Endowment, which supports the university’s efforts to reduce cancer incidence and increase survivability of people in rural and underserved areas.
Making Mental Health a Priority in the New Year
Sarah Mallard Wakefield, M.D., a psychiatrist with Texas Tech Physicians, talks about strategies to combat widespread and growing anxiety.
Recent Stories
38th Student Research Week Successful at Showcasing Secrets of Immune Defense
Student researchers at TTUHSC had the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills at the 38th Annual Student Research Week Feb. 25 – 27.
Ochs Named Dallas Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
Nancy Ochs, DNP, R.N., has been named the TTUHSC School of Nursing regional dean in Dallas.
Future Physicians Find Their Match
March represents springtime, new beginnings and time for Match Day for fourth-year medical students nationwide. TTUHSC School of Medicine students participated in Match Day March 20.