On September 10, 2026, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, surpassed collecting 4,000 pounds of unused medications properly disposed and safely collected at the hospital’s secure kiosk centrally located in the lobby.
SVMC’s kiosk, installed in 2017, was Vermont’s first non-law enforcement kiosk with Twenty-Four hour community access to safely and properly dispose unused medications.
“Reaching 4,000 pounds collected through our medication drop box is a milestone worth celebrating because it represents thousands of individual decisions to dispose of medications safely and responsibly,” said Ron Zimmerman, SVMC’s Vice President of Support Services. “This achievement belongs to our entire community. Together, we are reducing the risk of medication misuse while promoting a healthier, safer place for everyone.”
Efforts to install the medication disposal kiosk commenced through the strong partnership between SVMC and The Collaborative, with the support of the Shires Prescription Drug Alliance, Bennington Police Department and the Office of Local Health. Under the steadfast guidance to adhere to national and state parameters, Ginger Ritchie, SVMC’s Administrative Assistant to the then Chief Medical Officer, Trey Dobson, MD, continues to oversee this community resource.
“I’m very passionate about this project and the positive impact we’re making by keeping these unused prescriptions out of homes and our community,” Ritchie said. “We couldn’t do it without our community partners, including Bennington Police and The Collaborative.”
“When we first partnered with SVMC years ago to bring this kiosk to our community, our goal was simple: make safe drug disposal accessible to everyone, at any time. Surpassing 4,000 pounds of collected medication proves just how much our neighbors needed and rely on this service. The Collaborative is proud of where this started, proud of our continued work with SVMC, and thankful for the police department and local health partners who help keep this essential resource running day and night,” shared Maryann Morris, The Collaborative’s Executive Director.
“Working with SVMC, an amazing community partner, on the collection and disposal of unused medications has been wonderful. When Ginger Ritchie approached me with the idea of placing a drug disposal box at the medical facility, I was elated. We knew we had the partnership needed to make this successful. Knowing people go to the medical center for appointments, tests, and services, I knew the disposal box would be used on a regular basis. I was even more pleased when the Bennington Police Department was asked to be a partner with the project. Disposing of more than 4,000 pounds of unused medication makes our community safer and stronger. I look forward to our continued relationship,” Paul J. Doucette, Jr., Chief of Police & Public Safety Director Town of Bennington
Medication disposal kiosks are located and accessible year round at:
Bennington Police Department
Bennington County Sheriff’s Department
Manchester Vt Police Department
Winhall Police and Rescue
Order a free, postage paid, mailing envelope at www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/programs-services/prescription-drug-disposal [healthvermont.gov]
For information and resources, contact The Collaborative 802-824-4200.