WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsEau Claire County creates permanent Rx drug collection sites

Eau Claire County creates permanent Rx drug collection sites

Eau Claire (Press Release) - Eau Claire County residents will be able to dispose of expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter medications for free at four permanent collection sites across the county.

An initial ‘Medicine Collection Day' was held on May 16, 2009 to kick-off the program.  Effective November 2, 2009, residents can drop off collected drugs or over-the-counter medications at four convenient permanent locations Monday through Friday except holidays: 

• Eau Claire County Courthouse, County Sheriff's Office, Room 1428, 8 AM-5 PM
• Altoona Emergency Services Building, 1904 Spooner Ave, 8 AM - 4 PM
• Augusta City Hall, 145 West Lincoln St, 8 AM - 4 PM
• Fall Creek Village Hall, 122 East Lincoln Ave, 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Accepted Items:
Prescription medications
Over the Counter Medications
Sprays, Inhalers, Creams, Vials
Pet Medications

Unaccepted Items:
Illegal Drugs, Needles/Sharps
Biohazardous Materials
Personal Care Products (shampoo, lotions, sunscreens, etc.)
Household Hazardous Waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas, etc.)

"Setting up this program has proven to be very complex, requiring compliance with a wide variety of State and Federal laws. Collaboration with community partners has resulted in a well-designed program that will be a very cost effective model for Eau Claire County.  It will provide a consistent and sustainable way for residents to appropriately dispose of their unused/unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications" says Richard Thoune, Director, Eau Claire City-County Health Department. 

"Demand for medication disposal has remained steady, consistent with the public's desire for a 'greener' lifestyle, better drinking water, and drug abuse prevention," states John VanDeVoort, Director of Pharmacy at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals.

The Eau Claire County Prescription Drug Work Group researched options to address citizens concerns about expired or unused prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, and completed a proposal that was approved by the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors on April 8, 2009. 

The Prescription Drug Work Group is a collaboration of Eau Claire County and City departments, health care system representatives, interested citizens, and private partners.  Sacred Heart Hospital, Luther Midelfort, Oakleaf Medical Network, and the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic are among the many community sponsors that have participated in supporting the long-term sustainability of this program.  Dr. Julie Keown-Bomar, UW Extension Office, has chaired the work group. Its purpose is to protect the health and safety of Eau Claire County residents and the environment by developing effective educational resources and safe disposal options for prescription drugs through public/private collaboration and community partnerships.