Good option for packaging medications for camp?

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 18, 2015

I work in the north east. We use a company called camp meds, and enjoy it. I don't know if they are cleared to work in CA. Also they package in 30 day rolls so I'm just assuming that your camp does one week sessions, so that at not be a great option for you.

Truthfully any packaging pharmacy would be able to take on the task but you would have to find one willing to package the pills sorted by pass not just by med. Additionally this pharmacy would have to want to deal with customers directly rather than a facility client, so it's a lot more leg work for them, make sure they are up to the job. We switched one year to a pharmacy that wasn't willing to close the loops communication wise with the parents and it was a disaster with our meds arriving only one day before the kids, and only then because I driver three hours away to get them.

Ask local long term care facilities who they use and go from there. However using a packaging pharmacy is generally a pain in the butt for parents as the scripts have to be transferred and controlled substances have to be physically mailed to the pharmacy, and some states restrict how early those scrips can be written ahead of time. We have also just plain brought the blister packs and packed Meds ourselves, thats assuming it is legal in CA to do such a thing.

oh and all this doesn't even address parents who will dodge the system because it's expensive. Camp meds is abou $30-$60. Some parents just won't jump though the hoop or pay the money (believe me the amount isnt the issue at my camp). You as a nurse are all in to make meds safer and easier,but the lay public won't understand why you can't just do it so it's easy for them

wanderlustnurse88, RN · Nov 18, 2015

I'm not sure if this would work, but you could ask each camper that is coming to blister pack their medications at their pharmacy prior to coming to camp. I have several campers who have a lot of meds and I love when they blister pack their meds for me. This way, it also takes it off the camp to organize. The only issue would be ensuring everyone blister packs them.

maryen · Nov 18, 2015

Thank you so much for your very helpful input!

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 20, 2015

Don't be A stranger, let us know what your camp decides to do.

maryen · Nov 20, 2015

Will do! I am exploring the options you shared. We have contacted CampMeds with questions and are also working with a local pharmacy that may work with us to package meds. But like you alluded to....parents are going to be happy with the extra steps needed to insure meds are passed safely at camp and the additional cost.

maryen · Nov 20, 2015

That should say parents are NOT going to be happy.

mercurysmom · Nov 20, 2015

How about Health Care Logistics? I know that they sell packaging options to the general public. I've bought oral syringes with tamper-evident caps from them. The problem is that the parents would need to set up the pills in the blister packs themselves.

maryen · Nov 21, 2015

Thank you so much for this suggestion! They do have a 7 day blister pack that might work great for the camp! We are looking into this as an option. Thank you!

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 21, 2015

The key is to make sure you can legally repackage medications. Some states reserve this for pharmacists.

DeniseFLA · Dec 7, 2015

Hi. I have been working at a camp with @425 campers. Last summer I was head of meds. This year we are switching to Campmeds. Is anyone out there who works at a large camp like mine, using camp meds who can tell me how this all works out. We have an excessive amount of trips that start going out after opening day. Meds thru Campmeds should make packing those meds out easier. I am just concerned about all of the meds the parents are going to sneak thru and try and drop off on opening day. I see myself with hundreds of meds besides the usual Epi pens, inhalers and vitamins? Not good! Any info or suggestions would be appreciated!

i am not up to killing myself again this coming summer!ðŸ˜±

Thank you!

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Dec 10, 2015

The only trick we have to keep people from bypassing camp meds is to make it clear that medication, except for epi pens and rescue inhalers, will not be allowed on the bus. The camp director, and the head nurse can give case-by-case exemptions to this rule. You got a hold firm to it, our bus counselors are instructed to not under any circumstances take an authorized med.