Dispose of medication safely at campus drug take-back box

Now there is a safe place to dispose of cast-off and expired drugs on the UNTHSC campus, with the installation in the Police Department lobby of one of the city’s four drug "take-back" boxes.

The drop box for unneeded or expired prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications is in the lobby at 3600 Mattison Ave., which is staffed 24/7. The drugs will be safely disposed regularly.

If not disposed of properly, cast-off and expired drugs may poison children and the environment or pose an abuse risk.

"Drugs are chemicals that are potentially toxic to humans, wildlife and fish," says Youcheng Liu, ScD, MD, MPH, MS, Associate Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health. "If accidentally ingested or carelessly discarded, these drugs may have health and environmental consequences. Central collection and appropriate disposal provide a good way of minimizing these impacts."

The drug take-back is part of our campus’ contribution to the City of Fort Worth Safe Communities Coalition. Safe Communities America, developed more than 20 years ago, aims to reduce injuries by involving community partners.

Other drop boxes are at three Fort Worth Police Department stations.

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