MCMC launches Medication Disposal Program

From Mid-Columbia Medical Center:

Mid-Columbia Medical Center has teamed up with MED-Project to offer local residents a safe, easy and free way to dispose of expired or unwanted medication. Through this new program, unused medications can be dropped off at a kiosk located at the entrance of the MCMC Emergency Department. 

“Getting rid of leftover medication can help prevent misuse, theft and abuse,” said Amanda Cummings, PharmD, pharmacy director at MCMC. “We urge all residents to use this safety program to dispose of medication they no longer need and help keep our communities healthy.” 

There are three simple steps to disposing medication through the take-back program at MCMC: 

1. Leave the medication in its original container, vial, or bottle. 

2. Cross out or remove any personal information from the medication packaging. 

3. Place medication container in kiosk using the lever at the top to open the bin. 

Non-acceptable items include:
Herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, other personal care products, medical devices, batteries, mercury-containing thermometers, sharps, illicit drugs, pesticides, animal products/animal medicines, and biologics.

“In lieu of the community health fair, this is an easy and good option for us to do something for the community,” said Stephanie Bowen, MCMC Community Outreach Coordinator. “Personally, I am very excited for this. We’ve been asking for it for several years now.”

Founded in 1901, Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a nationally recognized hospital dedicated to serving residents of The Dalles and its surrounding communities. In 1992, MCMC became the first hospital in the nation to integrate the Planetree philosophy of patient care, which emphasizes the need to address a person’s intellectual, environmental, emotional and spiritual concerns in addition to their physical needs. For more information visit mcmc.net