Health Department Participating in October 23rd Take Back Day

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

The Garrett County Health Department is participating in National Drug Take Back day on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the three local medication drop box locations.

“Now more than ever it is important to keep your home safe,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, so clearing out unused medicine is essential.”

Safeguarding your medications is important even if you don’t have children in your home. Protect everyone who may be in and out of your home, like pet sitters, repairmen, and family and friends, getting unneeded medications out of the house.

There are three permanent medication drop box locations in Garrett County: Oakland City Hall, Garrett County Sherriff’s Department, and the Maryland State Police Barracks in McHenry. These locations will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. However, liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

“If you do not have access to one of the permanent locations, don’t worry,” Liller added. “Just put wet coffee grounds or wet kitty litter into a plastic bag, mix in the medication, seal it up, and throw it into your household trash. It’s that simple. This is one crisis we have the power to control.”

Another way to get rid of medications is to pick up a Deterra medication disposal pouch at the Garrett County Health Department. The pouches use patented technology for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs by adding water to the powder in the bag. The mixture neutralizes the drugs, making it safe to dispose of the entire pouch and its contents in your regular household trash.

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