In recent years, drug overdose deaths and emergency department visits have been on the rise in Cleveland County. This highlights the importance of prevention tools for prescription opioid misuse. The Cleveland County Health Department is now offering free resources to help households safely store and dispose of unused or expired medications.
The Deterra medication disposal kits are highly effective in rendering drugs inactive and unavailable for misuse. Community members can pick up Deterra medication disposal kits or medicine lockboxes at the Cleveland County Health Department during business hours, Monday to Friday. These resources are available for free and can be used to prevent accidental ingestion, environmental harm, and substance misuse before it starts.
Medicine lockboxes are also available for free as part of the Lock Your Meds national campaign to reduce prescription drug misuse through safe home storage. The three-step process involves putting drugs in a Deterra Pouch, adding water, shaking, and disposing of them in the household garbage. The plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredients also help prevent environmental harm.
For more information or to request these resources for your home or business, contact Carmen Barbuto, Drug Free Communities Grant Coordinator, at carmen.barbuto@clevelandcountync.gov or 980-484-5335. The Cleveland County Health Department is committed to helping the community combat medication misuse and abuse effectively by providing accessible prevention tools that promote safe storage and disposal practices.
In 2022, Cleveland County saw 36 overdose deaths and 241 overdose ED visits in 2023, with almost 40% of all overdose ED visits due to commonly prescribed opioids. These data highlight the urgent need for prevention tools that can help combat medication misuse effectively.
Overall, the Cleveland County Health Department’s efforts towards preventing medication misuse through resourceful initiatives have set a positive example for other communities facing similar challenges.
