Fifteenth community medication disposal set for Saturday, April 13

As a result of the combined efforts of Hendrick Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Pharmacy, Abilene Police Department, Taylor Alliance for Prevention and Texas Panhandle Poison Center, the first Abilene Medication Cleanout was held in 2011. Since then, more than 3,600 community members have dropped off 9,044 pounds of non-controlled medications and 620 pounds of controlled medications. Last year alone, 444 cars drove through the drop off line.

Abilene's Spring Medication Cleanout is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s School of Pharmacy, located at 1718 Pine St.

“Although it’s difficult to say with certainty what type of incidents have been prevented as a result of the cleanout events, without a doubt, the removal of almost 10,000 pounds of unused medications from the homes of Abilene residents has prevented countless poisonings and perhaps even deaths,” said Dr. Jeanie Jaramillo-Stametz, TTUHSC School of Pharmacy and director for Medication Cleanout. “It’s also likely that by removing these items from homes, we’ve prevented new addictions from occurring.”

All Big Country residents are encouraged to bring unused and expired medications to the drop-off site. Please bring the medication in its original packaging, if possible. All personal information will be blacked out after collection. Oxygen tanks, IV fluid bags and other durable medical equipment such as nebulizers and glucometers, cannot be accepted. Medication Cleanout™ disposes of medications in an environmentally responsible manner.