Due to Health Department regulations, Azorna Hospice cannot accept returned medications, medical supplies or patient-owned equipment. The following are options for disposal or donation:
Medication
Dispose of any prescribed medication that you are not using. Azorna Hospice employees are not permitted to remove medications from your home to dispose of them for you.
To dispose of medications in the household trash:
- Mix medications (do not crush tablets/capsules) with an undesirable substance such as wet coffee grounds or wet kitty litter so the drugs are unusable
- Place this mixture in a sealable plastic bag, then into a non-transparent container or bag, and then into the trash
- Scratch out personal information on your empty pill bottle labels or medicine packaging before placing in the trash
- The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that drugs not be flushed down the sink or toilet unless the label or information sheet specifically gives this instruction
- See the State of Arizona’s webpage www.takebackyourmeds.org for alternatives to home drug disposal including a list of pharmacies in Arizona participating in medication take-back programs
- Ask your own pharmacy if they will accept your medications for disposal
Medical Supplies & Patient-owned Equipment
Local senior centers, food banks or charity organizations may accept donations of unopened packages of incontinence and hygiene supplies. Call individual groups or agencies to verify first.
- Esperança’s Medical Supply Donation program delivers cargo containers carrying your medical donations to under-resourced hospitals, clinics, and community health centers in Nicaragua. Esperança’s on-site assessment process ensures that every container delivered will meet specific needs of the recipient hospital or clinic, equipping the medical staff with life-saving tools to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care. Medical supply donations may be sent to, or dropped off at the Phoenix office, call first (602) 252-7772
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Arizona Chapter) The Arizona Chapter has one of the largest Loan Closets in the state of Arizona. AZPVA provides durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, toilet risers and more. The AZPVA serves Veterans and families of Veterans who are unable to obtain the equipment through the VA or their insurance, at no cost. Pickup available, to setup an appointment call (602) 244-9168