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
'Tis the Season: Flu, RSV and COVID-19
Koy Kubala, DCLS, spoke about the increase we see in these infections during this season, how we can proactively avoid them, and what treatment can help at the onset of symptoms.
New Year, New You: Effective Weight Loss Strategies
Drew Payne, D.O., internal medicine, Texas Tech Physicians, offered insights into effective weight loss strategies.
The “Happiest” Time of the Year: Grief and the Holidays
David Pfaff, Ph.D., LPC, is core faculty for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at TTUHSC and discussed grief during the holidays.
Recent Stories
'Tis the Season: Flu, RSV and COVID-19
Koy Kubala, DCLS, spoke about the increase we see in these infections during this season, how we can proactively avoid them, and what treatment can help at the onset of symptoms.
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
Unlock a Better Nursing Future
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is streamlining the path to doctoral-level, specialized education for nurses.