The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is providing funding to support all First Nations communities in BC that want to organize a Medication Return-it event in their communities.

FNHA is providing $500 grants to communities to help offset the cost of hosting a Med Return-it event. Organizers can also use the funds to host a community meal to bring volunteers and community members together to raise awareness before the 'big day'. FNHA can also provide promotional items to volunteers, such as water bottles, for event day.

"Med Return-it events make it easy for community members to dispose of unwanted medication," explains Cindy Preston, Pharmacist with FNHA. "It also reduces the risk of the forgotten or expired medications ending up in the hands of children and vulnerable adults."

Community partners join forces for 'Med Return-it' events and collect unused or expired prescription (or non-prescription) drugs from communities. Event volunteers go door-to-door to gather any medications that residents would like to dispose of. An essential part of the Med Return-it event is working with local pharmacists or regional health authorities to dispose of the unwanted medication safely.

Early this year Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre, Skidegate Health Centre, Northern Health, the Band Council,  the fire department, and the local RCMP all partnered to host a successful Med Return-it event. They collected over 65 lbs. of unwanted medication over two days. The hospital pharmacy disposed of the medication safely.

To apply for Med Return-it Event grants download an application here:

For tips on how to organize and advertise Med Return-it events, review this info sheet:

To receive help with the grant application or with finding a safe disposal method for the unwanted medication, contact Chiamaka at chiamaka.ufondu@fnha.ca