September 23, 2014
The College collected 165.2 pounds of non-controlled medications, an estimated 37.5 pounds of controlled medications, and an estimated 3 pounds of epinephrine pens.

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy (UM-COP) hosted its second Safe Medication Disposal Event on Thursday, September 18th at Ingalls Mall. This event was a partnership with the UM-COP, Yellow Jug Old Drugs program, Village Apothecary Pharmacy, and the University of Michigan Police Department.

In March 2014, the event generated a collection of 160 pounds of non-controlled medications and an estimated 40 pounds of controlled medications. At the September 2014 event, 165.2 pounds of non-controlled medications, an estimated 37.5 pounds of controlled medications, and an estimated 3 pounds of epinephrine pens were collected! In total between the two medication disposal events, 325.2 pounds of non-controlled and 77.5 pounds of controlled medications have been safely disposed of through incineration.

“By sponsoring this event, the College of Pharmacy faculty and students are leading the way to help educate people about the importance of secure and responsible drug disposal. They recognize that student pharmacists as well as practicing pharmacists are critical in helping to raise awareness about this issue to help keep our water clean and our communities safe,” said Chris Angel, President Great Lakes Clean Water. The Safe Medication Disposal Event allows for pharmacy students to be proactive in educating not only the U-M campus but Ann Arbor community on proper and environmentally safe ways to dispose of unwanted medications, as well as prevent diversion by allying with the U-M Police Department.

The event owes its success to the collaboration with the University of Michigan Safe Medication Disposal Working Group, Yellow Jug Old Drugs Program, Village Apothecary, Pharmacy Student Government Council, APhA-ASP’s Generation Rx Committee, and Phi Delta Chi Professionalism Committee. Those involved demonstrate a dedication to the community and work hard to provide this service and make this event achievable.

See more photos at our Facebook page! 

For more information on safe medication disposal, visit the Great Lakes Clean Water Organization.