Methodist Dallas Installs Drug "Take Back" Boxes to Battle Opioid Addiction

Dallas— Methodist Dallas Medical Center is the first large hospital in Dallas to install drug “take back” boxes as part of Methodist Health System’s initiative to battle opioid addiction.

The hospital will have two secure boxes, one located in the emergency room and one in the retail pharmacy in the main lobby. The box in the ER will be available for drop-offs 24 hours a day.

“This is a free program for consumers,” says Jon Albrecht, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Methodist Health System. “With national concerns regarding the opiate crisis and the potential for harm or overdose from other medications, Methodist feels this is an important resource for our community.”

Most retail pharmacies charge consumers to properly dispose of medications.

Over the next few months, Methodist plans to install similar boxes at Methodist Charlton, Methodist Mansfield, and Methodist Richardson.

About Methodist Health System

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Ten hospitals proudly carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation. More than two dozen Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, or any other affiliated institution.