June 28, 2021 (Columbus, TX) – Beginning Friday, June 25, Columbus Community Hospital will provide a way for the community to safely and easily throw out expired or no longer used medications.

Columbus Community Hospital is registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as an authorized collector of medications to dispose safely. Having this service available to the community provides an alternative to throwing medications in the trash, storing them at home, or flushing them – all of which have potentially serious consequences, including overdoses, thefts, poisonings, and contamination of the water supply.

“Columbus Community Hospital is committed to advancing the health and well-being of our entire community,” said James Vanek, CEO, Columbus Community Hospital. “Offering this free service to the public to safely dispose of medications is another way that we go beyond direct patient care to make our community the healthiest place to live and work.”

A clearly marked collection receptacle is located in the foyer of the hospital. Members of the community may dispose of their prescription and over-the-counter medications anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The public is asked to comply with the following instructions for disposal:

• Place all tablets and capsules to be disposed of into a zip lock bag.
• Keep the original containers while transporting the medications to the hospital. In the event you are stopped by law enforcement for some reason and questioned about the medications, explain that you are on route to dispose prescribed and over-the-counter medication at the hospital by showing them the original containers.
• Bring the zip lock bag of medication into the hospital lobby and drop it into the receptacle.
• Dispose the original containers upon returning home.

The public is asked not to use the receptacle for disposal of: thermometers, inhalers, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, and needles/sharps.

Questions about this service should be directed to CCH’s pharmacy at 979-493-7600.