York General offers medication drop-off box
August 30, 2019
In an effort to improve safety among our communities, York General has added a new option for medication disposal. Located in the hospital lobby, the new MedSafe drop box allows patients to safely dispose of any unwanted or expired medications.
Medications play a critical role in treating health conditions. When those medications are no longer needed, it’s important to properly dispose of them to reduce accidental exposure or intentional misuse.
The MedSafe drop box can accept most medications. Medications should be left in the original packaging when possible.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse and abuse.
Disposing of medications protects people and the Earth by:
• Preventing the poisoning of children and pets;
• Deterring misuse;
• Avoiding health problems resulting from accidentally taking the wrong medication; and
• Keeping medications from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.
The MedSafe does not allow:
• Any illegal Schedule I drugs – heroin, cocaine, marijuana, etc.;
• Sharp containers, needles, syringes, batteries, aerosol spray cans, trash, medical devices, chemicals or other hazardous materials; and
• Liquids over 4 ounces – liquids under 4 ounces must be sealed in a plastic bag.
The installation of the Med-Safe was in partnership with Region V Systems and York County Prevention Network.