Free workshops raise awareness of correct handling of pharmaceutical waste

Contact:  Kenya Stump 800-926-8111

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 2, 2008) –– The Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance in Frankfort is offering two workshops this month to raise awareness and educate the health care community and others on the proper management of pharmaceutical waste as hazardous waste.

On April 21, a one-day workshop will be held in Lexington, followed by another in Louisville on April 22. The goal of the workshops is to educate the regulated community on the environmental and human health impact resulting from the improper management of pharmaceutical waste. Charlotte A. Smith, president of PharmEcology® Associates, is the featured trainer. There is no charge to attend the workshops. Participants will gain knowledge to reduce environmental liability, increase operating efficiency and improve environmental performance.

Some of the workshop agenda topics include handling of hazardous and nonhazardous pharmaceuticals, including labeling, storing, packing and shipping; minimizing pharmaceutical waste generation; developing and implementing a pharmaceutical waste management system and using take-back programs.

The training is geared toward pharmacists, veterinarians, staff in hospices and hospitals, and wastewater treatment plant operators, as well as others interested in learning more about pharmaceutical waste and the development of take-back programs.

For more information about the workshops, call Natalie Jensen at 800-926-8111, e-mail env@ky.gov or visit www.dca.ky.gov. Register online at http://pharmregistration.speedsurvey.com/.

The Environmental Compliance Assistance Program was created to help regulated entities understand and comply with the environmental programs administered by the Department for Environmental Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.