Stewardship programs: What can work in your community

The public has recently become increasingly concerned about scientific studies and news reports indicating the presence of pharmaceuticals in our water. As a result, many communities, states, environmental organizations, and individuals have developed stewardship programs to reduce the amount of unwanted medications being flushed or put in the trash. Public concern and an interest in protecting natural resources have also led to legislative proposals at the federal and state levels that would require more sustainable, environmentally appropriate management of unwanted medications. Healthcare providers and public health professionals are beginning to consider the important role they play in educating the public and each other, as well as developing prescribing and insuring practices that are more protective of the environment. This presentation will review the types of stewardship programs in the US and around the world; proposed federal and state legislation regarding management and disposal of pharmaceuticals; and the successes and challenges of developing and implementing various stewardship programs around unwanted medications. The presentation will also consider the critical role that health providers and public health professionals can play in developing more sustainable source reduction strategies to keep unwanted medications out of the water.