RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 29, 2019) – Monument Health has installed tamper-proof kiosks to allow patients and the public to safely dispose of unused prescription medicines. The MedDrop kiosks are located at Monument Health hospitals in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis.
The goal of the program is to provide an option for the safe disposal of an individual’s unused nonprescription and prescription medicines to ensure the drugs are not abused. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in September 2018 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 53.1 percent of people ages 12 or older obtained their misused prescription pain relievers from a friend or relative.
The MedDrop sites are a key component in South Dakota’s statewide strategy to address the misuse, abuse and diversion of controlled prescription drugs, according to the South Dakota State Board of Pharmacy.
The MedDrop kiosks are located indoors near the front entrances at all five Monument Health hospitals. Some locations have limited hours pending the installation of cameras and other security measures.
“Opioids and other prescription medicines are essential for patients recovering from surgery, injury or illness, but there is always a danger that these drugs can be abused,” said Dana Darger, Director of Pharmacy at Rapid City Hospital. “Patients and families now have an easy, safe way to discard unneeded medicine.”
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CONTACT:
Stephany Chalberg
Public Relations Manager
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
schalberg@monument.health
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