Walking Take Back Event Planned For December 19th

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

A “Walking Take Back” Event will be held on Saturday, December 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Winter Farmers Market at the Simon Pierce in Oakland. The Take Back is a joint event between the Garrett County Health Department and the Oakland City Police.

“Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “You can make a difference by keeping track of the medications you have, by rethinking where and how you keep medication in your home, and by safely disposing of unused medications.”

“Please stop by and see us, and help keep Garrett County safe by properly disposing of your unused prescription medications,” Liller said.

If you can’t make it to the Walking Take Back Event, medication disposal drop boxes are located at the Oakland Sheriff’s Office and at the Oakland City Hall. The medication disposal drop box located at the Maryland State Police Barrack in McHenry is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“If you cannot access one of the drop boxes, please call the health department and ask about Deterra medication disposal pouches,” said Liller. Deterra deactivation packs use patented technology for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs, including opioids, by just adding water to the powder in the bag.  The mixture not only neutralizes the drugs, but can safely be disposed of in regular household trash.

For more information call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. This program is brought to you by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.