News

The Kennedy Center and BCLS Launching Safe Drug-Disposal Initiative

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2023

The Kennedy Center Prevention Department, along with the SAMHSA-awarded grant, Partnership for Success (PFS), are initiating a community outreach collaboration with the Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) to provide free Deterra Drug-Disposal Pouches (right) at each of their seven locations and Mobile Library beginning February 1, 2023.

Since 2019, Berkeley County has seen an alarming increase in deaths with prescription drugs and opioid usage – including a large increase in accidental overdoses. The purpose of this collaboration is to increase awareness of prescription drug misuse, learn how to properly store and dispose of medications, and help our community keep children, pets, and others safe from accidentally ingesting unused or expired drugs.

Deterra Pouches are a convenient and environmentally-friendly option for proper drug disposal right at home. It is the only independently tested and scientifically proven drug disposal system that permanently deactivates pills, patches, liquids, creams, and films.

“Many homes in Berkeley County contain expired and unneeded medications,” said Wehme Hutto, Executive Director of the Kennedy Center. “By removing and disposing of these medicines from your home, you will help reduce the chance that others will accidentally or intentionally misuse them.”