Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD), a member of Dartmouth Health, has established a secure, convenient medication take-back program designed to provide the community with a safe and responsible way to dispose of leftover, unused, or expired medications.
The new drug disposal box, located inside the hospital’s main entrance, is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community members can drop off medications with no questions asked.
“Unused medications left in the home can pose a serious risk, especially to children, teens, and even adults,” said Carson M. Wenz, PharmD, clinical pharmacist at APD. “This new drop-off site offers a safe and simple solution for removing those risks and reducing the chance of drug misuse.”
According to national data, 47% of people who misuse prescription pain relievers get them from friends or family members. The opioid crisis has been fueled in part by the availability of these drugs at home. On average, an American dies from a drug overdose every five minutes.
In addition to improving household safety, the program supports environmental health. “Flushing medications down the toilet can lead to traces of drugs in community water supplies,” said Wenz. “This secure drop box is a safer, more responsible option.”
The green disposal box, located in APD’s main hospital lobby, is easy to use and clearly marked. While most prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted, items such as inhalers and needles are not.
APD has partnered with Inmar, a national leader in safe medication disposal, to ensure that all collected drugs are managed according to the highest standards for security and environmental safety.
About Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD)
Known for highly personalized and high-quality care, APD is the community hospital of the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Founded in 1932 and a member of Dartmouth Health since 2016, APD’s areas of clinical excellence include surgical services, primary care, geriatric care, sleep health, orthopaedics, and emergency services. The APD campus is also home to a senior living community with assisted and independent living facilities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.