BLOG: The Importance of Proper Drug Disposal

by Jennifer Wemhoff, The Groundwater Foundation

The Groundwater Foundation has been a proud member of the Nebraska MEDS Coalition since it began. Earlier this month, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts declared August 27-September 2, 2018 Nebraska Drug Overdose Awareness Week in an effort to raise awareness throughout the state about the importance of proper drug disposal.

Nebraska MEDS Coalition members pose after the proclamation ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol on August 6, 2018.

Why is proper drug disposal an important issue for all Nebraskans? In Nebraska, drug overdoses have tripled since 1999, with 81% of all poisoning deaths caused by drugs and medications. Unused medications can fall into the wrong hands and lead to accidental poisoning or misuse, making it vital to safely and properly dispose of medications.

Improper drug disposal can also impact the environment. When flushed, put down the drain, or thrown in the trash, over-the-counter and prescription medications can contaminate water supplies. Most water treatment facilities do not have the capacity to remove these emerging contaminants.

Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the Nebraska MEDS Initiative, there’s an easy disposal solution for Nebraskans – over 330 pharmacies across Nebraska will take back medications free of charge, no questions asked. These pharmacies accept medications for safe and legal disposal, giving consumers an easy and safe method of keeping medications from falling into the wrong hands out of the environment. Find a participating pharmacy at www.leftovermeds.com.

Several events are planned to recognize Nebraska Drug Overdose Awareness Week throughout Nebraska. The public is invited to attend:

• Tuesday, August 28: Ord Mayor Roger Goldfish will visit Anderson Pharmacy (1429 M Street, Ord) to dispose of medications at 10:00 a.m. Holdrege Mayor Doug Young will also dispose of medications at 10:00 a.m., at Fulmer Pharmacy (1317 Hill Street, Holdrege).
• Wednesday, August 29: At 1:00 p.m., Mayor Josh Moenning of Norfolk will dispose of medications at U-Save Pharmacy (1001 W Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk). 
• Thursday, August 30: Candlelight vigil at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Engagement Center (Room 201, 6400 University Drive South). Speakers will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the vigil at the Bell Tower at 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by LiveWise, Valley Hope, Coalition Rx, and Nebraska Pharmacists Association.
• Friday, August 31: International Drug Overdose Awareness Day – Light Up the World. Remember lost loved ones or show support by lighting a candle or porch light, and sharing our loved ones with the world.
• All week: Nebraska Regional Poison Control Center will be handing out materials at the Mutual of Omaha building (3301 Dodge Street, Omaha) throughout each day.

You can also follow along on social media - follow Nebraska MEDS on Facebook and Twitter.

“We hope all Nebraskans understand the importance of properly disposing of leftover medications,” said Hallie Schimenti, Project Coordinator for the Nebraska MEDS Initiative. “Not only does it prevent overdose, accidental poisoning, abuse, and misuse, proper disposal also helps protect our water resources. Every day is Take-Back Day in Nebraska!”

“Since the MEDS initiative went statewide in 2016, over 66,000 pounds of medications have been returned to pharmacies across the state,” Schimenti said. “The Coalition is a great mix of state, local, and community organizations representing a variety of stakeholders in the medication disposal issue.”

The Nebraska MEDS Initiative is funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the Nebraska Legislature. The Nebraska Medication Education on Disposal Strategies (MEDS) Coalition educates Nebraskans about drug disposal and provides safe ways to dispose of them to better safeguard the environment and protect public health. The Coalition includes the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, The Groundwater Foundation, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department, Lincoln Police Department, Coalition Rx, Lincoln Public School Nurses, LiveWise Coalition, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Medical Association, AARP of Nebraska, Nebraska Pharmacy Foundation, Nebraska Regional Poison Center, Safe Kids Lincoln-Lancaster County, KETV, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and Nebraska State Patrol.