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Safe Medicine Disposal for ME: 2011 Update Presentation at the 2011 International Symposium on Safe Medicine Jennifer Crittenden, MSW Safe Medicine Disposal for ME Project Director UMaine Center on Aging Funded by an allocation from a Fund for Healthy Maine » This presenter DOES NOT have an interest in selling a technology, program, product, and/or service to CME/CE professionals. » Statewide drug mailback program in Maine » Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and an allocation from the Fund for a Healthy Maine » Administered by Maine DEA Program Model » Postage-paid medicine return envelopes are distributed to selected pharmacies and organizations across the state at no cost » Staff members then give the envelopes and an instruction packet to interested participants Summary of Accomplishments » 36,400 envelopes distributed statewide » Over 6,500lbs of drugs collected » 6,543 surveys collected and analyzed • 31% response rate » 3,684 telephone calls answered via the program helpline The street value of Oxycodone collected from 2008-June 2011 is estimated to be $388,408 » 20,818 envelopes collected » 57% return rate » Over 380,000 pills collected » 35,453 tablets of Oxycodone and Oxycodone/APAP collected » Average age of mailback program users: • 63 years of age » Age range of those for whom the medicine was prescribed: 1 year – 99 years of age » 63% returning their own medicine » 20% returning for a deceased family member/friend A third of program users would have flushed the medicine Another 37% would have put the medicine in the trash 79% use the program because it’s best for the environment Collaboration Husson University School of Pharmacy University of New England College of Pharmacy Photo credits: Bangor Daily News Collaboration Local pharmacies including Miller Drug Donated time by community volunteers Collaboration Current Operations Fall 2011 » Mailers available through statewide network of participating pharmacies and partnering sites (approx. 150 sites) » Program open to individuals of all ages » Funding in place through spring 2012 » No expansion or new sites Future Directions Exploring funding opportunities through private partnerships and research grants Continue partnerships with pharmacy schools, community pharmacies, volunteers and support takeback events when possible Piloting mailback with a mental health services provider and a healthcare site (examining new applications) Future Directions Continue expanding model through partnerships with PA Sea Grant, University of Wisconsin Extension, and other national organizations Daily operations: Jennifer Crittenden, M.S.W. Project Director Fiscal and Administrative Officer UMaine Center on Aging [email protected] Project administration: Lenard Kaye, D.S.W./Ph.D. Principal Investigator Director and Professor UMaine Center on Aging [email protected] General Project Information: Phone: 1-866-ME-RX-RID (1-866-637-9743) Email: [email protected] Website:www.safemeddisposal.com