Community members now have a safe, secure, and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications and used syringes with the addition of MedSafe drug and sharps take-back kiosks at RiverView Health in Crookston.
The kiosks are located in the vending area between the RiverView Pharmacy and Limited Addition Gift Shop, providing an easily accessible location for medication and sharps disposal. When collection containers are full, they are securely sealed, transported to a licensed disposal facility, and safely incinerated.
“Drug take-back kiosks play a critical role in reducing medication misuse, accidental poisonings, and diversion of controlled substances by providing patients with a convenient and trusted disposal option,” said Brian Erickson, director of RiverView Pharmacy. “This initiative aligns with regulatory best practices and reinforces RiverView Health’s ongoing commitment to patient safety, community well-being and environmental responsibility.”
One Piece of ‘Bridging the Gap’
The project was made possible through a $50,000 grant awarded to RiverView Recovery Center (RRC) from Polk County’s Opioid Settlement Fund. The funding supports the RRC initiative Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Rural Recovery, which aims to expand access to substance use prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services throughout Polk County.
The initiative addresses persistent barriers to care for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges, particularly those who are homeless, involved in the justice system or living in rural communities with limited transportation options.
Adding the take-back kiosks is one objective of the project aimed at strengthening Polk County’s harm-reduction network. According to Leane LaFrance, director of RRC, Polk County experiences disproportionately high rates of drug-related charges despite representing less than 1% of Minnesota’s population.
Before RiverView installed its new sharps disposal kiosk, the only syringe take-back location in Polk County was at the East Grand Forks Police Department.
“The goal is that, as a healthcare provider who also offers substance use treatment, having these boxes in a neutral and easily accessible location will encourage more people to safely utilize them,” LaFrance said. “Many individuals who are struggling with substance use do not feel comfortable disposing of medications or sharps at a local law enforcement agency, so this provides a safer, lower-barrier option.”
Expanding Services and Resources
The MedSafe and sharps bins are one of several ways the Bridging the Gap initiative is expanding access to recovery resources while helping reduce stigma, LaFrance said.
“These investments allow us to meet people where they are—whether that’s online, in the community, or at our clinic,” she said. “They help reduce stigma, improve safety, and create pathways into care that simply haven’t existed for many rural residents.”
For more information about services offered through RiverView Recovery Center in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Roseau, Thief River Falls, and via telehealth, call 218-281-9511 or visit www.riverviewhealth.org/services/chemical-dependency/.
MedSafe, Sharps Take-Back Guidelines
The MedSafe medication kiosk accepts Schedule II through V controlled substances and non-controlled medications. Schedule I drugs (illegal) are not accepted.
Patients must place medications directly into the kiosk. For safety and regulatory reasons, RiverView staff cannot handle or deposit medications on behalf of patients.
Pills and liquid medications should be placed in their original or another concealed container before being deposited in the kiosk.
The sharps disposal kiosk accepts used needles, syringes, lancets, pen needles, and other small sharps. Used sharps must first be placed in a container, which can then be placed in the kiosk. Single-use sharps tubes are also available for use next to the kiosk.
