In honor of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services’ Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is teaming up with Indian Health Services, Beckham County Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition, South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and local law enforcement to host a drive-thru take back event.
This nationally recognized day aims to provide a convenient, safe and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs to help stop the potential abuse of medications.
This event will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Cordell at the Judah House located at 312 N. Glenn English, Sayre SWOSU campus at 400 Mississippi Ave and in Weatherford at MidFirst Bank 305 N. Washington.
The drive-thru event is an easy and anonymous way for those who wish to properly dispose of used, unwanted or expired medication.
“I have been doing this for over three years and I work mostly with opioid and substance abuse. I love this line of work and being able to help people and have resources available to promote healthy communities,” said Brittani Brice, RCORP Prevention Coordinator.
Available at the drive-thru event will be free lock boxes, Deterra Drug Deactivation bags and Narcan kits.
The Narcan kits are free and safe for pets, children and elderly. Naloxone (Narcan) kits can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
“Lock boxes are so important because they help keep medication locked to where others cannot get into it, especially kids. Kids don’t know the difference between medication and candy. Deterra is a great way to dispose of medications that you no longer need or are expired and you can dispose of them at home,” explained Kendra Gift SWODA Coalition Coordinator.
“Disposing of unused and expired medication is so important because you don’t want that medication falling into the hands of someone else and then taking it and getting harmed because of it,” Gift continued.
Brice said in a 2017 study, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA) wrote that 50% of those who get opoids and start using them irresponsibly got them from family or friends.
“We want to make sure not to share drugs, not to flush them and keep them out of landfills,” said Brice.
“This event is completely anonymous and I will even have a container for sharps if people choose to properly dispose of those as well.”
To learn more about the DEA Take Back, Red Rock’s RCORP or for more information about proper and safe prescription drug disposal and locations, contact Brittani Brice at bbrice@red-rock.com.