Scott & White Health Plan

Take-Away Program Initiated at Scott & White Pharmacies

Scott & White Healthcare has kicked off its new Take-Away Environmental Return System program in its pharmacies throughout Central Texas. They will accept unused or expired non-controlled prescription and over-the-counter medications for safe disposal. This is a free program offered through Sharps Compliance, Inc. It aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with the unsafe disposal of medications.

Scott & White pharmacies' ongoing, year-round Take-Away program will feature boxes placed in all 14 of its pharmacy locations. Patients and the public can bring unused or expired medications. They will be placed into a secure drop-box for incineration. A pharmacist will be available for consults and to answer any questions about the program.

"Our hope is to roll out an ongoing initiative to address the need in our community to dispose of these medications safely," said John Wilson, R.Ph, director of retail pharmacy operations at Scott & White Health Plan. The intentional or accidental ingestion of these medications can lead to harmful side effects and drug interactions.

Wilson went on to say that some examples of non-controlled medications that will be accepted as part of our ongoing Take-Away program include those that manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol, etc.

The following controlled medications and items cannot be disposed of at this time through the Take-Away program:

• narcotics (pain killers and sleep aids),
• stimulants (ADHD medications), and
• anabolic steroids (testosterone),
• needles/sharps,
• thermometers,
• IV bags,
• bloody or infectious waste,
• personal care products,
• medical equipment, and
• hazardous liquids such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.