Kits can help Saratoga County residents safely get rid of old meds
Seen in: The Saratogian
Link to full article:http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20161228/kits-can-help-saratoga-county-residents-safely-get-rid-of-old-meds
SARATOGA COUNTY >> One local organization is calling for year-end medication disposal, asking local residents to get rid of any old medications in their homes.
The Community Coalition for Family Wellness is highlighting the upcoming New Year’s holiday as an opportunity to participate in the Reduce the Meds — Reduce the Risk initiative by removing old medications from the home.
As the coming year ushers in new measures to combat substance use disorders and the growing opioid epidemic, The Community Coalition for Family Wellness find that it is important that everyone takes steps to prevent medication misuse.
The most common sources of non-medical use prescription medication is one’s home and the homes of friends and relatives.
Prescription opioid misuse makes up the largest portion of all fatal overdoses and is now the number one cause of death in the United States, a news release said.
All individuals are asked to monitor and secure their medications in their homes until they can responsibly dispose of their medications in a deactivation kit or permanent disposal sites.
More than 750 free drug deactivation system pouches have been distributed at 34 local businesses, municipal buildings, religious organization, and community and educational facilities in the area.
Additionally, more than 650 pouches have been distributed to police and emergency medical service agencies in northern Saratoga County.
Deterra is a drug deactivation system that effectively, safely and quickly deactivates medications. It is powered by a patented MAT12 Molecular Absorption Technology. This environmentally-friendly system has been proven to neutralize drugs in a biodegradable package that works for pills, patches and liquids. Users simply place unused medication in the pouch, add water, and dispose of in the trash. All kits are provided free of charge to any individual at any of the local sites, which include the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga Hospital, Moreau Town Hall, Moreau Emergency Medical Service, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office, Ballston Spa Police Department, CVS in Mechanicville, Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, Glens Falls Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s office and the Washington County Sheriff’s office.
More information and a full list of locations with addresses can be found at ccfw.weebly.com/medication-safety.