Safe medication return program gets underway

For immediate release: November 21, 2020  (20-225)

Contact: Gordon MacCracken, Communications, 360-789-0041

Safe medication return program gets underway

OLYMPIA — Today is the go-live date for Washington’s Safe Medication Return Program, a pioneering effort aimed at reducing medication misuse, abuse, and poisonings.

This program creates a unified, statewide, medication return program that will give Washington residents free, convenient, and environmentally responsible options for disposing of unwanted medication. Physical drop boxes are available. People may also request free mail-back envelopes so they don’t need to leave their homes to participate.

People may return most medications. That includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, controlled substance medication, and even household pet medications. Unused and unneeded medications in a household pose a potential risk for poisoning and overdose deaths. Improperly discarded medication also presents an environmental hazard. Flushing medicine down the toilet or throwing it in the trash pollutes water and soil.

Washington is the first state to implement such a program as a result of state law. Funded by drug manufacturers at no cost to taxpayers, the program encourages people to return unwanted and expired medications.

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says about 50 percent of people who misuse prescription medications get the drugs from friends or family members. Many people who become addicted to heroin and other illicit drugs first abuse prescription medications found in the home. Poisonings often occur among young children who take medication not intended for them.

MED-Project is the approved program operator, under the Department of Health’s oversight.

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TeleMedicine Visits & Urgent Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle Now Offering Virtual TeleMedicine Visits & Urgent Orthopedic Care

The Team at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle has been working hard to keep Patients & Providers Safe.

  • Telemedicine Patients are now able to set up an appointment with one of our providers in the comfort of their home. Call 206-633-8100 or request an appointment.
  • Urgent Orthopedic Care – Wallingford Our providers are treating patients in need of Urgent Orthopedic Care. We are still treating broken bones, torn ligaments and other acute injures. It is best to avoid the ER at this time.
  • Now Open Saturdays We now have Saturday Hours at the Wallingford Clinic. Hours from 10:00am-5:00pm.
  • Same Day Appointments We are accepting same day appointments for Urgent Orthopedic Care & Telemedicine.

Request An Appointment Today

King5 Health Link

Advances in Hip Surgery Lead to Shorter Hospital Stays

Want to get back to the activities you love?

Watch Dr. Phil Downer’s Hip Segment on King5’s Health Link

Dr. Downer discusses items to address before considering surgery, the Anterior Hip Approach and the best activities to help maintain the health of your joint.

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“Total hip replacement has become one of the most common and successful procedures in the U.S.

Medical advances even have some patients leaving the hospital within hours of surgery.

“We have also worked on the variables that have contributed to the length of stay, reducing pain, and improving function,” explains orthopedic surgeon Dr. Phillip Downer.

When Dr. Downer works with a patient, he makes sure they are ready for surgery by losing weight, managing diabetes or blood pressure – whatever the case may be for each patient – so that after surgery, their body can optimally heal.” (Read Article)

Learn more about Dr. Downer and the Anterior Approach, please call 206-784-8833 for more information.