Crush, Don't Flush

This week marks the close to the Presidential Scholars Program that I participated in this year. Tuesday we got together and presented our final group work. Our theme this year was "Improving the Community's Health" and I was a part of the "Environmental Issues" group. Our project was entitled "Crush, Don't Flush" and our aim was to educate the pharmacists in the Charleston area on the correct disposal of medication. 

Did you know??
*Up to 17% of medications prescribed in the U.S. are unused.
*Improper disposal could increase the risk of drug diversion. 
*Hormones, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and even drugs used to treat cancer have been detected in surface waters and sewage treatment plant waste in Charleston County.

*6 of SC Poison Control’s Top 10 Most Frequent Human Exposures were medications.

After doing a preliminary survey of community pharmacies in Charleston, we found that only 20% of the pharmacy staff knew the correct way to advise patients on this issue. We educated via informational brochures and by introducing this new material into the SCCP (SC College of Pharmacy) Community Practice Lab to teach the pharmacy students. We also aim to publish an article in a state-wide newsletter for pharmacists. Here is a link to the program details and our POSTER. 

Our group logo (isn't it cute?!)

So, if you have expired or unused pills around, it's time to spring clean! Here's how: 

Proper Medication Disposal

1.    Take the drugs out of the original containers.

2.    Crush up any tablet medications or dissolve them in water. (Liquid medications can be poured directly into the undesirable substance.

3.    Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance (kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds…).

4.    Put mixture into a sealed bag or container.

5.    Black out or remove labels containing personal information.

6.    Place the sealed mixture and original containers into the trash.

I earned a new pin for my white coat. 

I am not going to know what to do with myself on Monday nights now?!