Durand area residents proved that there is a need for a local, convenient way to dispose of unwanted/unused prescription drugs by way of a successful Prescription Drug Drive, back in November 2021, where over 50 pounds of prescriptions were “TAKEN BACK”.
Chief Michael Reiman saw the importance of the Durand Police Department providing this service, year-round, locally. He gathered all the information and went the extra mile to not only make it happen but to revamp the entire area outside the Police Department to better serve the community.
A NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG “TAKE BACK KIOSK” IS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT DURAND VILLAGE HALL.
Unwanted/unused prescriptions may now be dropped off in the kiosk (similar to a postal drop box) anytime during office hours: 9:30am-4:30pm M-F
Acceptable: unused/expired prescription and over the counter medications in pill container or ziplock baggie
Unacceptable: illegal drugs, pet meds, personal care products, needles, thermometers, aerosol cans or liquids
This year, overdose deaths increased 30% in the US, reaching the highest rate in our country’s history. That means, on average, over 260 Americans die every day from a drug overdose, according to the CDC. This persistent (and increasing) problem demands new solutions. Inmar surveyed 1,000 adults across the US to understand how they’re personally impacted by prescription drug misuse, and to gauge their awareness of proper disposal options.
PERSONAL IMPACT OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE AND ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE
Unused, surplus medications in the home can be a real danger to family members and the community. Almost 60% of the survey participants know someone, personally, who has been affected by prescription drug abuse-and 43% know someone whose child has been impacted by prescription drug poisoning or accidental ingestion. Those are staggering numbers. It’s not surprising, then, that 61% said the problem of prescription drug abuse in the US is extremely serious and needs immediate additional attention.
AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF EXCESS MEDS IN THE HOME AND IMPROPER DISPOSAL
Most people are storing leftover medications in their home-73% according to our survey. We know that 51% of misused prescription pain relievers are given by, bought from, or taken from, a friend or relative (NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USE AND HEALTHSAMHSA 2020). Medications are also the leading cause of child poisonings. More than 60,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year due to accidental ingestions (ASTHealth.org).
But it’s not only storage that negatively impacts public health-it’s also flushing old medications. While 63% of those surveyed said they’re aware of the environmental issues associated with improper disposal, 61% admitted they have thrown medications in the trash or flushed them down the toilet or sink. According to a SCIENCEDIRECT FEBRUARY 2017 REPORT, at 25 water treatment plants across the US, 37 different drugs were found in the drinking water-after the water was treated.
ROOM TO IMPROVE SAFE DRUG DISPOSAL HABITS
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides an opportunity twice a year, April and October, for Americans to help prevent drug addiction, overdose deaths, and to protect the environment. Still, while 52% of survey respondents have heard of National Prescription Take-Back Day, only 39% have participated. Their initiative could use a boost. It’s only two days a year, after all. By promoting Saturday take-back events across the US, Inmar is helping to resolve the issue.
WHAT ABOUT EVERYDAY DISPOSAL OPTIONS IN OUR COMMUNITIES?
More than half (51%) of respondents are aware of methods to properly dispose of unwanted medications, but 55% have never used an in-store drug disposal kiosk. 67% have never used a mail-in envelope to dispose of medications. Clearly, these options aren’t enough on their own. Like wearing seatbelts, eventually proper disposal of medications will become a societal norm. But we’re not there yet. The Village of Durand is proud to announce that a prescription drug drop box is now available in the Village hall and maintained by the Police Department for our citizens disposal of unwanted/outdated prescription drugs. The kiosk is accessible during normal Durand Village Hall hours.