04/29/2025
In a significant step toward ensuring community safety and wellness, Purcell Municipal Hospital has installed a new MedSafe medication disposal bin on its premises. This secure and easy-to-use bin offers local residents a safe way to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications, reducing the risk of accidental poisonings and preventing environmental contamination.
The secure medication disposal bin, conveniently located in the hospital front entryway, is available to the public during the hospital operating hours of 8am-5pm by independently placing medication into the bin. This bin is monitored by cameras and front desk staff 24/7. This initiative reflects the hospital's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our community, while also addressing the growing issue of prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings in homes. The MedSafe medication disposal bin was purchased by the OU Southwest Prevention Center through their federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration called the Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs (SPF-Rx) that focuses on prescription drug misuse prevention in McClain County.
The service is free of charge and designed to accept most prescription and over-the-counter medications, including pills, capsules, patches, ointments, and liquids. However, items such as syringes and sharps, will not be accepted—residents are encouraged to call ahead at 405-527-6524 or visit the hospital’s website for detailed guidelines.
Accidental poisonings, particularly among children, are a growing concern. According to the Oklahoma Poison Center, hundreds of accidental poisonings are reported yearly across the state that involve children. This disposal bin offers a proactive solution to mitigate these risks and protect our families and communities.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this resource and ensure that medications do not fall into the wrong hands or harm the environment. For more information about the medication disposal bin or additional safety initiatives within Cleveland County, please contact Demetrick Jones with the OU Southwest Prevention Center at djones1@ou.edu.
Purcell Municipal Hospital is located at 2301 N 9th Ave, Purcell, OK 73080 and has a mission “to enrich the health and lives of those we serve through individualized, compassionate and exceptional care” that supports their vision of being a place where employees are valued and supported, where we can improve the health and wellness of our community. “Established in 1970, Purcell Municipal Hospital is a trusted healthcare provider serving Purcell, OK and surrounding areas. Dedicated to excellence in patient care, community health, and innovation, Purcell Municipal Hospital is proud to offer services that improve the safety and quality of life for its neighbors.”
