Over 4600 Pounds of Medications Turned in During Drug Take Back Day in April
Delaware Public Health held a prescription drug take back day at the end of April. About 4629 pounds of medications were collected from 22 Delaware locations – that’s an increase from 4200 pounds last fall. At just 4 locations 119 pounds of sharps were collected. The twice annual prescription drug take back day gives you the chance to get rid of expired or unused medications at locations statewide – safely.
Additional information from DPH:
The twice-a-year event (April and October) aims to reduce the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in 114,470 pounds of medication being collected in Delaware since 2010. Properly discarding unused medications through this event is an important ongoing activity to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. Doing so reduces the risk of addiction by keeping prescription medications out of the hands of people who may misuse, abuse or divert them, and helps reduce the risk of drug overdoses.
In addition to the sites that participated in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day activities, permanent medicine drop-off locations are available year-round. DPH and community partners also distribute Deterra bags (medication deactivation bags) to use at home. Visit https://www.helpisherede.com/understanding-addiction/safe-drug-storage-and-disposal for more information.
To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, six of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back locations (New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Milford, and Laurel Police Departments and SUN Behavioral Delaware) also performed Overdose Response Training. Participants received free Narcan kits after the training. It is recommended that anyone who has a prescription opioid or has friends and family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community training events and to learn where you can get free Narcan, visit: HelpisHereDE.com/overdose-prevention.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 833-9-HOPEDE. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.
