Medication Cleanout

Dispose of Unwanted Medications Safely at Upcoming Medication Cleanout

High Plains residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of expired, unused or unnecessary medications during the upcoming Medication Cleanout from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 25) at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, located at 1300 South Coulter St.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Texas Panhandle Poison Center (TPPC), offers a convenient drive-thru drop-off format. Participants can remain in their vehicles while TTUHSC volunteers collect medications for safe disposal. Yard signs will guide drivers through the process, and residents are asked to leave

medications in their original containers.

“Medication Cleanout is all about making it simple for people to get rid of medicines they no longer need,” said Ronica Farrar, TPPC educator. “What seems like a small step—clearing out your medicine cabinet—can make a huge difference in keeping families and communities safe.”

Since its launch in 2009, Medication Cleanout has collected and safely disposed of more than 97,000 pounds of medications and sharps through 97 previous events across the Panhandle and West Texas. Saturday’s event marks the

program’s 98^th collection, continuing this years-long effort to reduce accidental poisonings, medication misuse and environmental contamination.

Due to environmental restrictions, medications from clinics, pharmacies or businesses cannot be accepted. Farrar said that expired and unused medications are more than clutter—they’re a potential source of harm.

“Medications can easily become dangerous if left unsecured,” she said. “Children might mistake them for candy, teens may experiment with prescription drugs, and older adults can accidentally take the wrong medicine. We want to help prevent

those tragedies before they happen.”

With the ongoing rise in prescription drug abuse and medication-related suicides, Farrar said every small act of prevention matters.

“Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference and having a meaningful impact,” she said. “Despite these overall improvements, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to maintain this progress.”

The Medication Cleanout program was developed by TPPC, which serves 71 counties across the Texas Panhandle, South Plains and surrounding regions. TPPC also operates a 24-hour poison helpline and provides community education about poison prevention, medication safety and overdose response.

For more information about the event, call (806) 414-9495 or visit www.MedicationCleanout.com.

Meaghan Collier

Director of Community Engagement
External Relations- Amarillo

TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy | Room 325
1400 S Coulter St | STOP: 230 | Amarillo, TX 79106
meaghan.collier@ttuhsc.edu
O: 806.414.9608 | C: 806.681.6274