SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA GREENPHARM COALITION PROJECT SUMMARY

Engaging the Health Care Community To Safely Dispose of Unused Medicines

Vision
The GreenPharm Coalition is a proactive multi-stakeholder, voluntary holistic stewardship program with the goal of eliminating the pollution caused by the improper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. The collaboration builds working relationships with primary stakeholders involved in the delivery of pharmaceuticals. Teleosis Institute is the convener and catalyst for creating and promoting initiatives within this coalition.

Goals
Our goal is zero pharmaceutical waste in the environment. This requires both solid waste minimization as well as proper after-market disposal. This is effectively achieved by engaging all the primary stakeholder communities in health care, as well as educating pharmacists, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, and allied health care staff to the benefits of a zero waste constraint.

• Reduce exposures to pharmaceuticals through collaborative action at the local level.
• Help communities gain an understanding of all the major sources of exposure to pharmaceuticals.
• Work with communities to set priorities for risk reduction activities.
• Create self-sustaining, community based partnerships that will continue to improve the local environment.

Stakeholders

Primary Stakeholders in Health Care:

• Hospitals (general, trauma centers, rehab, children's, geriatric, etc.)
• Hospice and coroners offices
• Long-term care facilities (skilled nursing, assisted living, residential)
• Primary care clinics (physicians, dentists, community clinics, etc.)
• Veterinary facilities (hospitals and clinics)
• Pharmacies (chain and independent)

• Regional and local governmental agencies
• Local utility agencies
• Environmental and public health agencies
• Professional associations
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Medical waste transporters