HOUSTON, April 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sharps Compliance Corp. (Nasdaq:SMED) ("Sharps" or the "Company"), a leading full-service provider of cost-effective solutions designed for the proper management of medical waste, used healthcare materials and unused dispensed medications, in conjunction with the National Community Pharmacies Association (NCPA®) announces an "earth friendly" alternative for collecting and disposing unused medications.
Nearly 1500 community pharmacies nationwide are making it easier than ever for consumers to safely dispose of unused patient medications at their local pharmacy, according to the NCPA® and Sharps Compliance.
The website, www.disposemymeds.org, allows consumers to search for an "earth friendly way" of disposing their unused medications. Consumers can simply go to the website to identify a local participating pharmacy disposal program by city, state, or zip code. Some exclusions apply. NCPA is encouraging other community pharmacies to voluntarily sign up for the program in coming weeks and months as part of an on-going effort.
Many of the pharmacies are promoting their services in the "Dispose My Meds" campaign just in time for Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. At participating pharmacies, consumers may be able to dispose of unused medications with postage-paid envelopes or participate in onsite programs where pharmaceuticals are collected and disposed of properly.
"Safe and practical disposal programs make a real difference in addressing this growing public health concern," said Lonny Wilson, DPh, NCPA President and pharmacy owner in Oklahoma City.
"I commend these pharmacies for stepping up for the good of their communities and their patients. And, hopefully, consumers will gain a greater appreciation of their local community pharmacy."
The Dispose My Meds program began in 2010. Many pharmacies are using the products of TakeAway Environmental Return System via a partnership between NCPA and Sharps Compliance.
"Sharps Compliance, NCPA and the NCPA members have a shared vision of being able to collect and dispose unused medications in a manner which is cost effective, includes counseling patients on the importance of adherence and, most importantly, earth friendly. To date, the Dispose My Meds program has collected and disposed of over 70,000 pounds of expired or otherwise unwanted non-controlled medication and OTC products," stated Claude Dance, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Sharps Compliance.
About The National Community Pharmacists Association
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA®) represents the interests of America's community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 23,000 independent community pharmacies. Together they represent a $93 billion health care marketplace, dispense nearly 40% of all retail prescriptions, and employ more than 315,000 people, including 62,400 pharmacists. Independent community pharmacists are readily accessible medication experts who can help lower health care spending. They are committed to maximizing the appropriate use of lower-cost generic drugs and reducing the estimated $290 billion that is wasted annually by improper medication use. To learn more go to www.ncpanet.org or read NCPA's blog, The Dose, at http://ncpanet.wordpress.com.
About Sharps Compliance Corp.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sharps is a leading full-service provider of cost-effective management solutions for medical waste and unused dispensed medications. Its strategy is to capture a large part of the estimated $3.8 billion untapped market for unused medications, used syringes and medical waste generated outside of hospital and large health care settings by targeting the major agencies that are interrelated with this medical waste stream; including the U.S. government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, home healthcare providers, retail pharmacies and clinics, and the professional market which is comprised of physicians, dentists and veterinary practices. As a fully integrated medical waste management company providing customer solutions and services, the Company's solid business model, which provides strong margins and significant operating leverage, combined with its early penetration into emerging markets, uniquely positions it for strong future growth.
The Company's flagship product, the Sharps® Recovery System™ is a comprehensive solution for the containment, transportation, treatment and tracking of medical waste generated outside the hospital and large health care facility setting. Its TakeAway System™ is designed for individual consumers, retail or mail-order pharmacies, communities and facilities including assisted living, long-term care and correction operations to facilitate the proper disposal of unused dispensed medications. The Complete Needle™ Collection & Disposal System is a safe, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution designed for self-injecting consumers and includes the Company's containment, packaging, return shipping via the U.S. Postal Service, tracking and treatment.
More information on the Company and its products can be found on its website at: www.sharpsinc.com
Safe Harbor Statement
The information made available in this press release contains certain forward-looking statements which reflect Sharps Compliance Corp.'s current view of future events and financial performance. Wherever used, the words "estimate", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "may" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and the company's future results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks include, without limitation, the company's ability to educate its customers, development of public awareness programs to educate the identified consumer, customer preferences, the Company's ability to scale the business and manage its growth, the degree of success the Company has at gaining more large customer contracts, managing regulatory compliance and/or other factors that may be described in the company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and/or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenues and profitability are difficult to predict. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results express or implied therein will not be realized.