The Tulsa County Medical Society is honored to be a partner in the Tulsa County Medication Recycling Program. This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and the impact organizations can have when they work together to turn a vision into reality. On November 12, a celebration was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this important public health program.

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The vision for the program began with George Prothro, M.D., who dedicated his career in Tulsa to both public health and pediatrics. As he observed the disposal of unused medications in nursing homes, he recognized that many individuals in our community were unable to afford the medications they needed. From this disparity emerged the idea of creating a charitable medication recycling program.

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In the late 1990s, Dr. Prothro led efforts through the Tulsa County Medical Society's Concerns of Older Tulsans Committee, chaired by Gerald Gustafson, M.D., to establish a medication recycling program. One of the first and most significant challenges was securing legislative approval to allow unused medications to be recycled.

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The Tulsa County Medical Society partnered with Tulsa County Social Services to advance the effort. With the assistance of Michael LaPolla, M.P.H., research and analysis were conducted to develop detailed cost-benefit projections. Several key legislators, including State Representatives John Bryant, Darrell Gilbert, and Ron Peters, along with State Senator Bernest Cain, helped craft the legislation and advocate for its passage.

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After several unsuccessful attempts, the effort succeeded in 2004 when Governor Brad Henry signed House Bill 1866 into law. Tulsa County became the first community in the nation to establish a medication recycling program designed to benefit those in need. Over the years, communities from across the country have contacted Linda Johnston, Director of Tulsa County Social Services, seeking guidance on replicating the program.

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Today, more than $15.8 million in wholesale-value medications have been recycled through The George Prothro, M.D. Pharmacy of Tulsa County, representing more than 159,000 prescriptions provided to those in need. In July 2012, the pharmacy was renamed in honor of Dr. Prothro and his vision.

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A dedicated group of 32 retired physicians from the Tulsa County Medical Society's Golden Oldies volunteer their time to support the program. These physicians collect medications from participating nursing homes and transport them to the pharmacy. Since the program's inception, they have made more than 2,800 trips to retrieve medications. The Golden Oldies group is also chaired by Dr. Gustafson.

Beyond improving access to medications, the program has produced significant environmental benefits. By recycling unused medications rather than disposing of them in landfills or wastewater systems, the program helps reduce environmental contamination and minimizes opportunities for prescription drug diversion and misuse.

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Together, the partners, volunteers, and supporters of the Tulsa County Medication Recycling Program have improved environmental stewardship, enhanced the health of thousands of individuals, and demonstrated how one physician's vision can become a lasting reality.

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Written November 24, 2014

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For up-to-date numbers on the Drug Recycling Program please visit: https://www.tcmsok.org/drug-recycling-program

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