The Chemical Dependency Bureau of DPHHS is excited to work alongside the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for State Prevention Programs in announcing the most recent interagency collaboration for prevention in Montana: the procurement and upcoming arrival of 100,000 Deterra medication disposal bags. Deterra bags, an at-home medication disposal system or drug deactivation system does not need to be mailed-in or taken to a disposal site making them ideal for rural and frontier Montana households. These Omni degradable bags contain activated carbon that when mixed with warm water renders the pharmaceutical compounds inert and safe for household trash. By reducing the availability of unwanted, unused and leftover prescription medication, we protect individuals, homes and families, taking a step toward a safe and healthier Montana and furthering other ongoing opioid overdose prevention initiatives.
From late August to early September the disposal bags will be distributed to all 56 counties of Montana. The 26 counties without drug-take back locations or “drop-boxes” will receive a greater portion of disposal bags in attempts to reach those in rural and frontier locations. Prevention specialists working in each county will receive the bags and disperse them to pharmacies, prescribers, health departments, law enforcement and schools within your communities who will then in turn disperse bags directly to individuals and households. This is a one-time opportunity provided by the Opioid State Targeted Response grant awarded by SAMHSA, but it is possible to make individual or organizational purchases through Deterra. By strengthening community awareness, response and support we can all play vital roles in reducing access to unused or unwanted prescription medications in Montana communities.
For questions or more information please contact: Nicole Hackley, 406-433-4097, [email protected].
Reader Comments(0)