Those with unused or old prescription medication can turn them into a collection site Saturday as part of a nation Drug Take Back Day. Photo by Getty Images.
Twenty-two Delaware sites will take expired or unused medications on Saturday, Oct. 29, as part of the National Drug Enforcement Administration Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Delaware locations will be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and include many police stations around the First State. To find a site near you, go here.
The medications to be disposed of must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers.
Besides medications, vape pens and e-cigarettes will be collected if the batteries are removed.
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The DEA started Take Back Day to help people easily get rid of medicines that others could misuse and become addicted to, perhaps even dying from overdoses.
The Delaware Division of Public Health oversees Delaware’s Take Back Day.
Last April, 4,645 pounds of unneeded medication was collected at 27 Delaware locations on the spring Take Back Day.
The event also gives those concerned with addiction issues other ways to tell people about related programs.
Deterra bags
Public Health and community partners such as some state libraries and distribute medication deactivation bags, called Deterra bags, to use at home. The pouches release carbon after water is added, making the drugs inactive so they can be disposed of safely. Deterra works on pills, patches and liquids.For details about how to get a free disposal bag, go here.
Narcan training, distribution
Middletown and Milford police departments will be offering overdose response training and Narcan distribution to the public on Saturday. It is recommended that anyone who has an opioid prescription or has friends and/or family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community trainings or to find free Narcan, go here.
Permanent Take Back drop boxes
Delaware Walgreen’s stores and police stations also maintain permanent medicine drop-off locations year-round. Find a list of them down the page here.
To find help with addiction
If you or a loved one is 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 1-833-9-HOPEDE.
To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.
Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.
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