IRON RIVER – In an effort to improve safety in Iron County related to medication disposal, Aspirus Iron River Hospital & Clinics has provided a grant for two drug disposal receptacles in the community.

The two MedSafe disposal receptacles are now located at the Iron County Sheriff’s Department in Crystal Falls and the Iron River Police Department in Iron River.

“It’s important to properly dispose of unused medications to reduce the risk of accidental exposure or intentional misuse,” said Aspirus Iron River Hospital Pharmacist, Phil Wojdula. “For patient privacy, we ask that residents empty medications from their original containers into a plastic bag before disposing into the MedSafe receptacles.”

The grant from Aspirus includes the two machines, plus continued disposal costs. The receptacles are generally emptied on a bi-monthly basis.

“The contents of the 38-Gallon MedSafe machines will be disposed of and properly destroyed using incineration by Sharps Compliance, Inc., which is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s preferred method of disposal,” said Iron County Sheriff Mark Valesano. “It’s also the most environmentally-friendly way to dispose of medications.”

Residents can dispose of all unused medication, except inhalers, sharps, and glass containers.

“We’re very pleased that Aspirus has put MedSafe machines on both sides of the county,” said Iron River Police Chief, Laura Frizzo. “It’s just another example of how we’re all working together to keep our community safe.”