Safe Drug Disposal
Safe Medication Return is a unified, statewide program that gives Washington residents free, convenient, and environmentally responsible options to dispose of unwanted medication. Drug manufacturers fund the program at no cost to taxpayers.
Safe Medication Return is operated by MED-Project, our approved program operator.
Drop-Off Locations
Medicine Kiosks are installed at nearby locations such as pharmacies and law enforcement offices for residents to simply drop off their expired or unwanted medicine for safe and free disposal.
Mail-Back Locations
Medication mail-back distribution sites are located throughout our community to provide free, postage paid mail-back disposal packages for residents to safely dispose of expired or unwanted medicines.
Narcan
Opioid use and overdoses are increasing rapidly in Washington state.
Whitman County Public Health is now offering Narcan (Naloxone) to those who use drugs and support systems of those who use drugs, such as family and friends.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Narcan temporarily stops the effects of opioids allowing someone to wake up from an opioid overdose and start breathing again.
How to receive Narcan?
Stop by one of our office locations to pick up a supply of Narcan and receive a quick tutorial on how to use it.
Our staff will provide training to anyone who received Narcan on
- how to identify an overdose
- how to administer Narcan properly
- what to do after Narcan has been administered
Sharps Container Disposal
Disposal of syringes, needles and lancets is regulated, these items are called ‘sharps’ and can carry hepatitis, HIV and other harmful substances.
Proper disposal for used or full sharps containers can be done at either one of our offices at no-cost.
We will only accept syringes that are in either a sharps container or a strong plastic container such as laundry detergent bottles or bleach bottles. We will not accept loose needles or needles in soft plastic containers, such as Ziploc bags and soda bottles. If needed, our offices can provide sharps containers at no cost.
Needle Exchange
Whitman County Public Health’s anonymous needle exchange program provides one-for-one exchange of used syringes for new ones. Exchanging used syringes helps lower the risk of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C transmission.
Needle Exchanges can be done at either one of our offices at no-cost.
We will only accept syringes that are in either a sharps container or a strong plastic container such as laundry detergent bottles or bleach bottles. We will not accept loose needles or needles in soft plastic containers, such as Ziploc bags and soda bottles.
If needed, our offices can provide sharps containers and wound care supplies at no cost.
Lock Box
Any medication—with or without a prescription—can be harmful if taken in the wrong way or by the wrong person. Lock Boxes are one of the most effective deterrents to accidental poisonings, overdose, medicine theft, and misuse.
Chapters
Hep A & Hep B Immunization
Hepatitis B immunization is recommended for all adults in certain settings, including STD clinics, HIV testing and treatment facilities, facilities providing substance abuse treatment and prevention services, health-care settings providing services to people who inject drugs illicitly, and correctional facilities
Hepatitis A immunization is recommended for people who inject drugs illicitly and use drugs illicitly through non-injection routes.
We offer these vaccines in our Whitman County Community Clinic for uninsured adults in Whitman County.