Currently, the TakeAway Environmental Return System Program has collected more than 320,000 lbs. of unused medications, thereby reducing potential

Transcription

1 Currently, the TakeAway Environmental Return System Program has collected more than 320,000 lbs. of unused medications, thereby reducing potential harm to patients and the earth.

2 Nebraska MEDS Coalition Background: In response to ongoing concerns about pharmaceutical waste, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department partnered with the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center, the Groundwater Foundation, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and others to create the Nebraska MEDS Coalition. The Nebraska MEDS Coalition aims to educate patients about the dangers of pharmaceutical waste and provide options for disposal. Environmental Risks: Waste water treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals from water supplies. Although the complete impact of pharmaceuticals in ground water is not yet known, cumulative exposure to pharmaceuticals by animals and or sink can contaminate ground water. Health Risks: Taking unused medications can be harmful. Not disposing of medications that are no longer needed or prescribed may also occur. Nebraska pharmacies are an ideal location for patients to return unused pharmaceuticals for disposal. Solution: The Nebraska MEDS Disposal program has contracted with Sharps Compliance, Inc., a company that specializes in medical program, funded by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, will provide patients with options to dispose of unwanted and unused non-controlled medications at participating pharmacies. Currently, the TakeAway Environmental Return Program has collected more than 320,000 lbs. of unused medications, thereby reducing potential harm to patients and the earth. TakeAway Environmental Return System Products TakeAway Environmental Return Envelope (included in Display Kit) 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System TakeAway Environmental Return System Display Kit with 25 Envelopes [1]

3 Launching the Nebraska MEDS Disposal Initiative: The initial costs of the pilot program were funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The statewide expansion, funded by The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, will provide pharmacies with a 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental pharmacy will recieve the following starter kit AT NO COST: PHARMACY STARTER KIT: Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System 2. Media kit and Training Tools Media Kit: Pharmacies will be supplied with marketing materials to promote the program within each pharmacy. It s important that all kit include These tools and resources will be distributed with TakeAway system components and will be made available online at online a The Nebraska Pharmacists Association, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and Sharps Compliance, Inc will distribute press releases in support of the program. The Nebraska MEDS Coalition has partnered with state agencies and organizations for increased public education and outreach. The primary objective is to make the Nebraska MEDS Disposal program sustainable at participating pharmacies following the completion of the grant funding. The following program promotional materials will be initially furnished for pharmacy use: LEFTOVERS We can help. Medication Disposal Available Here! Ask your pharmacist for detials today or leftovermeds.com Window Cling Marketing Flyer Pharmacist FAQ [2] Pharmacy Patient FAQ

4 Getting started at your pharmacy Program Implementation Steps: A 20 gallon TakeAway container will be shipped to your pharmacy by January 1, Please contact the Nebraska Pharmacists Association if you haven t received it by then. Prior to implementation of the TakeAway Environmental Return System, training tools should be reviewed with pertinent 3. The 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System: the top of the container, fold back and insert the locking tab into the slot at the back of the container to expose the medication care and vial opening. 4. Begin collecting unused medications: Insert medication cards or pill vials into the appropriate opening cut-out. Controlled substances cannot be accepted. 5. What to do when the 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System is full: When the container full it is ready for disposal. Unseal the locking tab from the back of the container, lift up, straightening out the folded container top. Remove the protective materials from the tape that is on the underside of the container. Reinsert the tab into the top of the container. The TakeAway Environmental Return System is now ready for shipping. To ship the container, contact Sharps Compliance Inc, at to schedule a pick-up and to order a new container for the pharmacy. 6. Shipping the 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental System for proper treatment: Hand the freight pre-paid container to a UPS delivery person at your pharmacy. The container already has the proper shipping documents attached and will be delivered to the Sharps Compliance Inc. treatment facility for witnessed and assured treatment that converts the collected unused medications into a raw material used to create electricity to power homes and businesses. Upon receipt at the Sharps Compliance Inc. treatment facility, all TakeAway Environmental Return Systems are handled by law enforcement personnel. The returned products are locked in a caged area, then treated. [ 3 ]

5 ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY: As leaders in our business and social communities, the public refers to pharmacists to provide solutions for medication disposal the TakeAway Environmental Return System is right on target! We are doing our part to participate in reducing our own environmental footprint from dispensing to converting unused medications into raw material used to create electricity to power homes. The program reduces the opportunity for unused patient medications to end up in the hands of unintended persons. WITHIN YOUR PHARMACY: The program encourages medication counseling with patients and the pharmacist and supports medication adherence. It also provides another reason for your patients to visit your pharmacy by bringing in their medications and purchasing other merchandise. By promoting the Nebraska MEDS Disposal initiative within your pharmacy, you increase the opportunity for new foot traffic at your pharmacy, and attracting new customers and patients. [ 4 ]

6 REORDERING NEBRASKA MEDS DISPOSAL AND TAKEAWAY ENVIRONMENTAL RETURN SYSTEM COMPONENTS: Before the 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System is full, request a replacement system by calling or sending an to sharps@sharpsinc.com. If requesting a new 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System by , the following information must be included and sent to sharps@sharpsinc.com Reference your participation in the Nebraska MEDS Statewide Disposal Initiative Request a replacement 20-Gallon TakeAway Environmental Return System Give the shipping address of requesting pharmacy, phone number, and contact information When the 20-Gallon TakeAway Environment Return System is ready to be returned, each participating location must follow the instructions provided to properly seal the system for return shipping and treatment. For more information call , or visit For more information or questions, contact Nebraska Pharmacist Association at (402) or by at brent@npharm.org 2012 Sharps Compliance, Inc. All rights reserved. [ 5 ]