Burnett Medical Center Introduces New Prescription Medication Disposal Methods

Drug disposal solutions tackle medication abuse; provide a safe way to dispose of unused drugs.

 

Grantsburg - Burnett Medical Center is combating the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse by providing solutions to safely dispose of opioid painkillers and other unused medications.

A MedSafe® drug collection and disposal receptacle is now located in the main entrance of Burnett Medical Center for the safe and anonymous disposal of unused or expired medicines and controlled substances. The receptacle will be accessible during regular business hours.

Most Americans recognize that prescription drug abuse is a growing problem and one that flourishes in all communities. Since 2015, Wisconsinites have disposed of over 330,000 pounds (165 tons) of unused and unwanted medications. Wisconsin has been a national leader in the Drug Enforcement Administration's drug disposal program, Drug Take Back Day; Wisconsin has repeatedly had the third largest drug disposal collections in the country, only falling behind California and Texas.

"We often receive questions from our customers asking how they can safely get rid of their unused medications," said Gordy Lewis, Burnett Medical Center CEO. "We're happy to be able to give back to our community and customers by providing a safe solution to getting unused medications out of their homes and harm's way."

Anyone can simply bring in their unused pills and drop them into the MedSafe, which is a specially-designed receptacle for the safe, cost-effective and convenient way to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs.

"Safe disposal of prescription medication is a vital strategy for preventing prescription drug abuse and keeping the water supply safe," said David P. Tusa, president and CEO of Sharps Compliance, Inc. "We are thrilled to partner with pharmacies and healthcare organizations to provide a convenient method to dispose of unwanted medications."

Burnett Medical Center is also a registered sharps collection site. Please visit our website, www.burnettmedicalcenter.com, to learn more about drug and sharp collection services.