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.
About Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
For more than a century, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has delivered world-class care and comfort to every patient. Today, SVMC encompasses eight locations across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, including a 99-bed hospital and 23 primary and specialty care services. SVMC’s exceptional health teams possess expertise in everything from oncology to orthopedics. Our clinical strength has earned national attention, including six consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Since joining Dartmouth Health in 2023, SVMC has expanded treatment options and services to keep patients closer to home for world-class care. As the largest employer in southwestern Vermont, SVMC is deeply invested in the region, engaging with the community through wellness initiatives, support of local nonprofit organizations and involvement in economic development. SVMC has robust volunteer leadership, at many levels, that help guide and govern the organization, ensuring SVMC continues to serve the patient and staff needs of today, and tomorrow.