Project Rx Expands Year-round Drug Disposal to Greer
Thursday, December 8th, 2016
Upstate residents are estimated to bring home over five million prescriptions per year, and many of those drugs end up in the trash, the toilet, or the wrong hands when they go unused. Project Rx, in partnership with the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health, aims to combat this problem in Greer through the installation of a permanent drug disposal bin at Greer Memorial Hospital.
The drop-box is a free, secure, anonymous service that provides the safest way to dispose of unwanted or expired medication. The collection site will accept unwanted or expired prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, and veterinary medications from households only. Needles or syringes will not be accepted. Greenville Health System Police and local law enforcement oversee proper disposal of the medication through incineration.
The Project Rx taskforce, including GHS and Renewable Water Resources, has committed to providing a more permanent solution to drug disposal than periodic take-back days. Year-round availability allows individuals to dispose of prescription medications at their own convenience, keeping drugs out of our waterways and the hands of children or those who may misuse them.
“Greer Memorial Hospital prides itself on being able to serve our community and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with others to offer this much-needed service,” said John Mansure, president of Greer Memorial Hospital. “We invite the community to visit our campus to dispose prescriptions while keeping our families and water supply safe.”
This box will be the third installed by Project Rx at a GHS hospital. The coalition installed the first permanent drop-box at Greenville Memorial Hospital in spring 2016, and has collected approximately 625 pounds of medication since its installation. An additional drop-box is located at Oconee Memorial Hospital, and one is planned for Hillcrest Memorial Hospital in Simpsonville. Each box is sponsored by community partners committed to curbing drug abuse and water pollution in the Upstate.
“The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health annually cares for thousands of men and women in the Upstate who are dealing with the devastating effects of drug addiction,” said John Willingham, CEO of The Carolina Center. “We see this community drug drop box as a great way to prevent unused drugs from becoming a part of the problem.”
Project Rx also aims to educate residents about the impact that improper medication disposal can have on local waterways, as chemicals from pharmaceuticals that have been flushed or thrown away can leak into the water supply.
“ReWa is delighted to be a part of this environmentally friendly, convenient and sustainable solution for the Upstate. Since its inception in 2010, ReWa has been proud to play a vital role in this community collaboration. We are honored to provide continued support for this unique initiative,” said Graham Rich, executive director of ReWa.
The drop-box is located outside of the main hospital entrance and is available 24/7.