SVMC collects over 3,000 pounds of unused medication through MedSafe box
Kathryn Czaplinski
/ Categories: NEWS, 2024

SVMC collects over 3,000 pounds of unused medication through MedSafe box

BENNINGTON, VT—October 23, 2024—Over the last seven years, the MedSafe drop box in the lobby of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has collected over 3,000 pounds of unused medications.

SVMC, a member of Dartmouth Health, collects and safely disposes of unused or expired controlled substances and over-the-counter medications. The goal is to keep the drugs from being abused, sold or from being flushed down a toilet, which can cause pharmaceutical contamination in the water supply.

Members of the SVMC’s Security and Pharmacy Department, along with the Bennington Police Department, recently marked the 3,000-pound milestone, which comes just before National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26. On National Take Back Day local community members are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and use the secure MedSafe box for proper disposal.

The front lobby box looks like a mailbox, featuring a one-way medicine drop. Several features ensure security, including a double-locked front panel. Medications can be removed for disposal only when both a member of the Bennington Police Department and a member of the hospital staff are present. In addition, the box is monitored by video.

The program was made possible through The Shires RX Alliance, a grant from the Vermont Department of Health; and cooperation from the Bennington Police Department. Several community members also provide funding for MedSafe’s ongoing expenses.

Photo Caption: Bennington Police Lt. Camillo A. Grande, with SVMC’s Security Manager Eddie Pascucci, Pharmacy Director Rob Sherman and Administrative Assistant Ginger Ritchie gathered recently to mark the latest collection of unused medications, which has brought total collection to over 3,000 pounds of medications since the program began.

About SVMC:

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVMC includes the Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC, the SVHC Foundation, as well as 25 primary and specialty care practices. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. SVMC provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

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Ways to Help

At this difficult time, leaders and staff at Southwestern Vermont Health Care appreciate support from our communities. There are three major ways for members of the community to help front-line staff in their efforts to save lives.


Donate Funds
If you are able, donating money to the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund is the most beneficial way to ensure staff have the vital equipment they need. The COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used to create additional negative pressure rooms; purchase life-saving supplies, such as ventilators, respirators, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); implement a surge plan to expand patient care areas, including an off-site Respiratory Evaluation Center (REC); support of employees in distress; meet the need for assistance among patients and our communities. And now the CARES Act makes donating to non-profits more beneficial financially. Donations may be made online at svhealthcare.org/give-now.


Send Food to Staff
SVMC deployed an online tool to facilitate community members sending meals to front-line staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Community members can visit mealtrain.com/trains/v1w8yz and volunteer to purchase a meal for as few as two staff members or as many as 25. All recommended restaurants will make no-contact deliveries to SVMC in Bennington, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, and the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls, NY.

 

Donate Personal Protective Equipment
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is requesting the community to assist with donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hospital currently needs the following PPE: N95 Masks, typically found in industrial businesses and home workshops; Nitrile gloves in all sizes; home-sewn cotton masks; and home-sewn cloth surgical caps, known also as scrub caps and skull caps. PPE donations are accepted through Catherine Hagadorn, program coordinator for the Quality, Safety, and Value Department, by e-mailing Catherine.Hagadorn@svhealthcare.org or calling 802-447-5600.

 

SVHC's medical team and essential staff are extremely grateful to the community for every contribution. Thank you! 

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