If you’ve walked past PAH’s Outpatient Pharmacy lately, you’ve probably noticed the bright green drop box in the waiting room. Part of the hospital’s new drug take-back program — one of the latest initiatives to combat the opioid crisis — this receptacle offers a convenient place for individuals to drop off their leftover, unused, and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. In just three months, more than 600 prescriptions have been disposed of in a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible way.
“Medications are shared or misused in millions of homes across the United States. Our team is committed to fighting this pervasive problem,” said Suzanne Brown, BS Pharm, MS, RPh, director of Pharmacy Services. “We encourage patients, community members, and employees to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of their leftover medications in our receptacle, no questions asked. Together, we can reduce the risk of these substances falling into the wrong hands and causing harm.”
Brown also encourages individuals to take another preventative step to protect their loved ones by purchasing NARCAN. This overdose reversal medication is available for purchase at the Outpatient Pharmacy, and receiving training to administer it can prepare you to save a life. If you’d like to purchase NARCAN, or if you have questions about disposing of your medications,* please contact a Pharmacy staff member. Thank you for helping PAH build a safer, healthier community.
*Original packaging is required, and no liquids, aerosols, batteries, chemicals, needles, sharps, syringes, or illicit drugs are accepted.