SEARCY, Ark. (KTHV) -- The Harding University College of Pharmacy will facilitate a drive-thru Medication Cleanout event.
The event will take place Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Henry and Grace Farrar Center for Health Sciences.
These cleanouts are to help prevent poisonings, misuse and abuse while protecting the environment.
The University's College of Pharmacy will be collecting:
• Prescription medications and samples
• Non-prescription medications
• Vitamins and supplements
• Medications for pets
• Nebulizer solutions
The college will NOT accept:
• Oxygen tanks
• IV fluid bags
• Nebulizer or blood glucose machines
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why do they need to be in the original containers? Our event is different from most cleanout events because we are focused on the data/statistics behind the medications. In order to gather the data, we have to identify, sort, and log all meds which come into the event. This process is extremely time consuming and it goes much faster if we can see the name of the medication (and not have to look it up based on what the pills look like).
2. How will my privacy be protected? When the medications are given to us, the first step is de-identification. We use really thick paint pens to obscure patient name, address, prescription number, and anything else which can link that medication to the patient. We will protect the privacy of each participant from the moment the event begins. In addition, all volunteers sign a confidentiality agreement.
3. What will the pharmacy department do with the meds? All medications will be sorted, counted, and logged into our pharmaceutical database. At that point, they will then be handed over to the White County Sheriff's Department for incineration. This keeps the meds out of the environment.
4. What if I can't make it this Saturday? If you can't make it to this event, don't worry! We will be hosting this event twice per year (once in the fall and once in the spring) and you can bring the medications next time. If you want to dispose of them more quickly, the White County Sheriff's Department has a 24 hour drop off box at their office.