Carilion has launched a drug donation program in an effort to assist patients who are otherwise financially unable to afford prescription medication.
The program, which is overseen by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, allows individuals to donate unopened, non-refrigerated medications. All of the medications are inspected once accepted and again before being dispensed.
Medications that are able to be donated must be unopened, non-refrigerated, and in the manufacturer’s sealed container. The program accepts inhalers (still in foil wrappers), injectable devices (e.g., Lovenox), sealed manufacturer’s bottles of prescription tablets or capsules and unit-dose packages like blister cards.
The program does not accept controlled substances, expired medications, medications that have not been stored properly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, medications dispensed from the pharmacy in the traditional amber vials and refrigerated medications (e.g., insulin vials or pens).
Currently, the only Carilion pharmacy accepting donations is the Medical Center Pharmacy on Crystal Springs Avenue in Roanoke. All Carilion retail pharmacy sites, however, do offer safe drug disposal options for used and unused medications.
Individuals interested in receiving medications through this program should contact the Carilion Medication Assistance Program office at 540-981-7647 to determine eligibility.