This New Year, make it your resolution to return your meds!

VANCOUVER, Jan. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) have joined forces to urge members of the public to make a New Year's resolution to bring their unused medications back to their local pharmacy.

Unused medications can pose a significant health, safety and environmental hazard when improperly stored or disposed of. British Columbians can return expired or unused medications to pharmacies across the province at no cost.

Parkash Ragsdale, Deputy CEO of BCPhA, said, "Medications that are flushed down the drain or tossed in the garbage can pose a serious threat to our environment, children and pets.  For 2012, we're encouraging the public to make it their resolution to return their unused medications to their pharmacy."

"We're excited to team up with BCPhA to create awareness about safe medication returns," said Robyn Cooper, Waste Reduction Coordinator for the Regional District of North Okanagan. "The RDNO encourages everyone to return expired or unused medications to help protect the environment."

She also reminds residents that, "The BC Recycling Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-667-4321 or www.rcbc.bc.ca for the most up-to-date drop-off recycling information for items not included in our curbside blue bag recycling program."

More information about returning unused medications to pharmacies can be found at www.medicationsreturn.ca.

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) is a not-for-profit, voluntary, professional association of pharmacists and pharmacies. It represents more than 2,600 pharmacists and 800 pharmacies throughout British Columbia.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is comprised of the Cities of Armstrong, Enderby and Vernon; District of Coldstream; Village of Lumby; Township of Spallumcheen and surrounding Electoral Area's "B", "C", "D", "E" and "F". It covers an area of 787,190 hectares with a population of 77,301 (est. 2006).

Contact:
To interview a pharmacist in the North Okanagan area, please contact Elise Riedlinger, BCPhA: 604.269.2866 / [email protected]

Robyn Cooper, RDNO: 250.550.3743 / [email protected]