Letter: Donate unused diabetic supplies

To the Editor:

The Kendall County Coroner's Office often responds to homes where we collect medications which ultimately cannot be reused. Over the years, we have collected thousands of dollars worth of unused, unopened and unexpired vials of insulin, insulin pens, cartridges, meters, lancets, and other diabetic supplies, which were destroyed at the end of our investigations.

Recently, I have been speaking with community based groups to see whether these unused items could be redistributed to those in our area. Unfortunately, during my conversations, I have found that these items generally cannot be used in the United States. However, I have found an organization which works with health agencies in 16 developing countries throughout the world that can accept these items and ensure that they are given to those who are truly in need abroad. This organization can also ensure that these items are available domestically during times of emergencies (floods, tornadoes, etc.) when our friends and neighbors may not have access to basic medical supplies from their homes.

I am pleased to announce that we will no longer have to destroy these medications and supplies. I would also like to partner with all of you to help others in need by accepting donations of any of the following items:

*New, unopened, refrigerator maintained insulin of any type or brand with a minimum of three (3) months to use-by-date

*New, unopened pre-filled insulin pens of any type or brand with a minimum of three (3) months to use-by-date

*New, unopened Keto-Stix with a minimum of three (3) months left until use-by date

*New, unopened glucagon with a minimum of three (3) months to use-by date

*Glucose meters that are in excellent working condition and have not been discontinued (test strips are currently manufactured for that model)

*Unused glucose test strips with a minimum of three (3) months to use-by date

*All brands and types of lancing devices which are less than one year old and are also in excellent working condition

*Sizes: 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mL size syringes in new unopened sealed packages

*Any brand of pen needle which can be utilized with insulin pens which has a minimum of three (3) months prior to the expiration date

*Any type or brand of lancet with a minimum of six (6) months to use-by date

If you are unsure if the item(s) you have are suitable for donation, please bring them in. We will be able to sort through to use what we can, and properly dispose of the items which cannot be donated.

Donations can be brought to the Kendall County Coroner's Office, located on the government campus at 804 W. John St., Yorkville, anytime during regular business hours from 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m.

Thank you so much for helping us to help the world.

Jacquie Purcell

Kendall County Coroner

Yorkville