Safely Store Medications – for Free
I wanted to share information on an exciting collaboration between University Health Services (UHS) and the UW–Madison Police Department (UWPD).
Each year, UHS and UWPD join forces for the nationwide Prescription Medication Take-Back program, where we safely collect and dispose of hundreds of pounds of unneeded and/or expired prescription medications.
During these events, UHS distributes free medication lockboxes. When we learned about their program, we jumped on board. Now medication lockboxes are also available, at no charge, from any UWPD police officer.
Safely securing medications – especially in residences with multiple occupants or children – is highly important for the safety of all:
- It helps prevent misuse, overdose, and other harm.
- It restricts lethal means for at-risk and vulnerable individuals.
- It protects the environment.
You can learn much more about safe medication storage and disposal on the UHS website, including best practices, which medications should be secured, and FAQs.
If you’re interested in obtaining a medication lockbox, contact me, any other UWPD officer, or UHS.
Jeff Kirchman
University Apartments Community Police Officer
608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu
University Apartments Community Center, Room 131