New Directory Lists Drug Take-Back Programs Across America

Document intended to promote discussion between groups and identify best practices.

With the drug take-back movement in its infancy, many programs still operate in relative isolation, unaware of similar efforts in other areas. Now the Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety has put together a national directory of take-back programs for unwanted medicine.

“Forty percent of prescribed medicines are unused,” says Dr. Elizabeth Smith, chairman of the Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety in Bellaire, Texas. Often stockpiled in homes, these medicines are increasingly abused by teens and can also lead to the accidental poisoning of children and pets. Unused and expired drugs that are flushed down the toilet or sent out with the trash can pollute waterways.



Dr. Matthew Mireles, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer says he hopes the directory will act as a catalyst to bring together groups that take back and dispose of unwanted medicine. “We hope the directory will provide some basic information so these groups know they aren’t alone,” he says. Using the directory, those starting up new collection programs can look to existing groups and borrow ideas, instead of reinventing the wheel. “You don’t have to start from scratch. You can contact people who are already in this business and pick their brain and ask to see guidelines and documentation.”

“In addition to contact information, the National Directory contains key information for each program, including the method of drug collection and destruction, as well as the collection schedule. The directory also notes which programs accept controlled substances and which are assisted by law enforcement.

Information on 66 programs, scattered across the U.S., is included in the directory. The data was gathered by the foundation last year, via a mail-in survey.

“The purpose of the directory is not necessarily to capture every single program or event, but to try to determine some patterns,” says Jerry Miller, the foundation’s vice president of research. Miller says he hopes the compiled data will reveal what kinds of drug take-back solutions are most effective. “By developing best practices, we can try to shape national policy.”

The directory also includes detailed information on key state and federal laws, such as the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as well as a list of other published resources on drug take-back programs.

The directory can be purchased for $85, directly from the Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety. The not-for-profit group seeks to empower patients so that they can make practical decisions to improve the quality of health care. For more information about the directory and the foundation, please call 832-778-7777 or visit: www.communityofcompetence.com.