PHARMACIES AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS: BECOMING A PERMANENT PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL LOCATION
Reducing access to unused or expired medications is an important step in preventing addiction and overdose. New DEA regulations allow pharmacies and healthcare providers to be more involved in the solution by becoming a permanent collection location for prescription drugs.
Safe collection and disposal of controlled medication guidelines help provide structure to this process and ensure your organization can provide a valuable service to the community while being compliant with the law. Features include defining who may deposit, specifications and logistics of collection boxes, liners necessary to secure the medications, transportation and handling requirements, as well as destruction protocols.
More information can be found on the DEA website. A practical how-to guide for pharmacies can be found here.
The Chittenden Prevention Network is a local resource to help provide support to pharmacies interested in joining Walgreens as a disposal location in Chittenden County. If your pharmacy is interested in making a change at this time, we would love to hear from you and be able to promote it to the community. Educating the public about safe disposal options helps everyone and it is what we like to do!
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: CVS DISPOSAL DONATION PROGRAM
CVS/pharmacy® is teaming up with The Partnership at Drugfree.org to create an innovative community donation program through which local police departments can apply to receive a drug collection unit to help their communities safely dispose of unwanted medications, including controlled substances. For more information or to apply for the donation program, visit the CVS donation page.
