Legacy auction item to benefit community

    When someone buys an item at an auction, they would generally expect to take something home with them. In the case of Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Event, one very special auction item will give someone a chance to give back to their community.
    Included on the Feb. 9 list of auction items will be a MedSafe Medication Disposal System. An individual or group of people will have the opportunity to bid on this item and then in turn donate it back to Melissa Memorial Hospital.
    The foundation gave each MMH department a chance to submit an application for an item that would be beneficial for the department.
    The MMH pharmacy applied for a medication disposal unit, which is unique because it not only benefits them but also the community as a whole, said MMHF executive director Nancy Colglazier.
    The pharmacy frequently gets questions about how to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. The pharmacy is not able to take them because of state laws. This unit will provide the answer.
    It’s basically a big box that will be located in the waiting room of Family Practice of Holyoke. Anytime during open hours, community members will be able to go in and drop off medications, including controlled (Schedules II-V), noncontrolled and over-the-counter medicines, said pharmacist Amy Kleve, RPh, Pharm D.
    It meets the requirements of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Controlled Substances Act, she added.
    The medication disposal unit is a great option for the community because it will provide an easy way for families to keep unused and dangerous medications away from children and teens.
    “We are very honored to be doing an auction that will go back to the hospital,” said Colglazier.

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