By Bob Katzen

This bill would establish drug repository program which would allow people to donate their unused medications, excluding controlled substances, and permit them to be redistributed to individuals who need them and cannot afford them.

Supporters said that strict safeguards would be in place to ensure that the medication has not been tampered with and is not expired or mislabeled.

“Due to high prescription drug costs, over 15 million Americans are forced to forgo their medication to pay for other essential living expenses, yet $10 billion in medication is destroyed or discarded in the United States each year,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Junes (R-North Reading). “A statewide drug repository program would help to reduce this waste and make life-saving medication more affordable and accessible to residents of the commonwealth. Twenty-six states currently have operational repository programs, which proves that these programs can be administered safely and effectively.”