Do you have any unwanted, unused or expired medications lingering in your medicine cabinet? Old prescription and over-the-counter pills left around the house can become a health and safety hazard, especially for small children and pets who may accidently get ahold of them.
To ensure the safe disposal of these medications, Texas Children’s Pharmacy Department will host the Medication “Take Back” Program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, October 19, at The Auxiliary Bridge. There will be drop-off boxes to safely dispose unwanted and expired medications.
“Medication safety has always been our priority,” said Brooke Bernhardt, assistant director of Clinical Services and Outcomes in the Department of Pharmacy. “Any time we can eliminate preventable harm, it’s a win-win situation for our employees, their families and the patients we serve.”
The Take Back Program coincides with National Pharmacy Week, and this year’s theme is “Be a Hero, Aim for Zero,” which reflects our Pharmacy Department’s commitment to eliminating medication errors.
The Auxiliary Bridge event will feature fun activities and prizes for the children geared towards medication safety and poison control, educational information about our Pharmacy Department and the research activities they are involved in, and a showcase of pharmacy technology that’s helping our staff eliminate medication administration errors.
As part of this year’s “Be a Hero, Aim for Zero” theme, two pharmacy employees will dress up as super heroes to greet patients and their families, and the children can get their pictures taken with them.