1. Great Lakes Unwanted Meds Mailback Disclaimer: We have done preliminary planning, printed envelopes, and determined methods of dispersal but will not actually begin distribution ‘til mid October-

2. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (EPA) project October 2010-September 2012 Education/outreach and proper disposal of unwanted meds via collection events and mailback program (#’s reached to date)

3. Project partners Great Lakes Sea Grant Network (Research, Education, Outreach) plus in-state partners NY, PA, OH, IL-IN programs are participating others programs are distributing materials 32 Sea Grant programs around the country, focus on economic and environmental needs of coastal communities including things like water quality and invasive species Training for Sea Grant education/outreach staff nationwide scheduled for early 2012

4. Education and Outreach Dose of Reality inserts Billboards Factsheets Presentations General public, anglers, educators and students including service learning and 4-H, and medical professionals.

5. Mailback Project Details Four grant PI’s will utilize 2 different methods for envelope distribution: Thank you to University of Maine and Maine DEA for doing the legwork to expand this project to the Great Lakes! Sharps Inc. vs. University of Maine Distribution at outreach events Partnering with Pharmacies

6. Opportunity to discover: Which meds go unused and why? Where people get their medications? Mail order? VA? Family doctor? Auto refills? From where? Willingness to use a mailback disposal option? Willing to pay for this service? If so, how much? Awareness of other disposal methods in their area? All of this information can be incorporated in education/ outreach materials for consumers and medical professionals Importance of Survey Data

7. Great Lakes Mailback prelude to National Mailback expanion? Ideally a national mailback program would exist in conjunction with pharmacy and police station drop offs and collection events. 3 out of 4 people we surveyed at our 8/20 collection in Erie, PA said they would use a mailback program. Ninety seven percent would utilize a pharmacy drop off.