BC's pharmacists encourage residents of the TNRD to return expired meds!

VANCOUVER, Jan. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Now is a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet! The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) urge residents to return their old medications to their local pharmacy to protect themselves, their families and the environment.

"It's never too late to make a new year's resolution to safely dispose of your expired or unused medications," said Ralph Lai, president of the BCPhA. "British Columbians can return these medications to pharmacies across the province at no cost."

"Unused or expired medications can be potentially harmful if swallowed by children or pets. They can also contaminate the environment if thrown in the trash or flushed down a toilet."

BC's Medications Return Program ensures safe and effective disposal of old or expired prescription drugs, as well as oral dosage over-the counter medications and natural health products. More information on the program can be found at www.medicationsreturn.ca.

"We are pleased to be partnering with the BCPhA to raise awareness of how to properly dispose of prescription drugs," said Peter Hughes, Director of Environmental Services for the TNRD. "This is an important issue that impacts the environment as well as the health of everyone in our regional district."

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is a not-for-profit, voluntary, professional association of pharmacists and pharmacies. It represents more than 2,700 pharmacists and almost 800 pharmacies throughout British Columbia.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District covers 11 municipalities (Ashcroft, Barriere, Cache Creek, Chase, Clearwater, Clinton, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lytton, Merritt and Sun Peaks) and 10 Electoral Areas - "A" (Wells Gray Country), "B" (Thompson Headwaters), "E" (Bonaparte Plateau), "I" (Blue Sky Country), "J" (Copper Desert Country), "L", "M", "N", "O" (Lower North Thompson) and "P" (Rivers and the Peaks). The TNRD provides over 120 services including planning and building inspection, solid waste management, emergency preparedness and 9-1-1 services, recreation, utilities, television rebroadcasting, river buoys, transit, tourism, library services and operates a film commission.

SOURCE: British Columbia Pharmacy Association

For further information:

To interview a pharmacist in your community, please contact Elise Riedlinger, BCPhA: 604.269.2866 / [e-mail].

To arrange an interview with a TNRD representative, please contact Mike Garrett: 250.377.6282 / [e-mail].