Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, Gallia County Citizens for Prevention and Recovery (CPR), Meigs County Sheriff’s Department, Meigs County Prevention Coalition, and Holzer Health System were proud to offer a recent Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26 at the Holzer Gallipolis Campus. October 26 was recognized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as National Drug Take Back Day, which is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired drugs. In Gallia and in Meigs, there were 32 and over 60 pounds, respectively, of unused/expired prescription and over-the-counter medications collected, giving a grand total of over approximately 92 pounds collected.
The DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
“We appreciate everyone’s participation in this drive-thru event,” shared Dana Wilkerson, PharmD, MS, Manager, Holzer Health System Ambulatory Pharmacy Services. “Collecting these medications and sharps (needles/syringes) is increasing safety in our communities and reducing the risk of them being used inappropriately. We are proud to be a part of the event and look forward to offering it again in the Spring during the next National Drug Take Back Day.”
“Holzer is proud to partner with the local sheriff offices to host Drug Take Back Day,” shared Karrie Davison, Marketing Manager, Holzer Health System. “Participants were very appreciative of the opportunity to dispose of these medications safely.”
During this year’s events, a Deterra drug disposal kit was provided to each participant with instructions on how to safely dispose of medications at home. Powered by proprietary activated carbon, the Deterra Drug Deactivation System is simple and safe. These kits were made available by to the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board by RALI Ohio. If you missed Drug Take Back Day, visit www.takebackday.com to find an authorized collector near you or you can safely dispose of expired/unused medications at your local sheriff’s office.
The next National Drug Take Back Day will be Spring 2021. Holzer Health System will plan to collaborate with participants to provide another event at that time. Look for more information to be shared via social media channels.