DELAWARE COUNTY, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — Delaware County Health Department has launched a harm reduction strategy to help combat the opioid epidemic.
As part of the initiative, Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches and awareness postcards will be mailed to more than 165,000 addresses in randomly selected zip codes, which totals to about 70% of all residential addresses in the county.
The attached postcards will include messaging “about resources available for anyone who may be in a drug use situation or experiencing addiction, as well as normalizing the conversation around addiction, treatment, and recovery,” said Delaware County Public Health Director Melissa Lyon.
So, what exactly are these pouches and how do you use them?
The health department said they will be issuing medium-sized pouches that can deactivate up to 45 pills.
They are a non-toxic, organic, and safe alternative for proper disposal of unused, unwanted and expired medications.
Once you have the pouch, put the medication inside, add water, shake it, and throw it away in your trashcan.
Officials say this method will not only help reduce the potential for abuse of opioids, but help protect the environment as well by preventing pharmaceutical drugs from contaminating water supply and landfills.
“The program is easy and it’s a powerful and effective tool to keep unneeded and expired medications out of the hands of those who may abuse it,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.
“I urge all residents to learn how to utilize the pouches to protect their loved ones and the community.”
She says this effort was made possible thanks to a $26 billion multi-state opioid settlement with drug companies that they will be receiving over the next 18 years.
They are also making smaller pouches available for people to pick up at designated locations.
County officials say they hope to continue mailing pouches into next year but that is contingent on receiving additional funding.
Officials note the pouches do not expire. They ask residents not to throw them away if you don’t need them and suggest giving them to a friend or family member who may use it.
For more information, contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at 484- 276-2100.