Delaware County Urges Use Of Medicine Drop Boxes, Recovery Specialists

Back in 2013, Delaware County had just 11 medicine drop boxes. Three years later, that number has nearly quadrupled to 40 boxes.

"Since 2013, we've collected about 11,000 lbs. of medicines," Delaware County Councilman David White said.

The drop boxes are crucial in keeping dangerous drugs out of the hands of children, drug addicts, as well as landfills, water supplies, and more. White, who is a member of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force, said the drop boxes have been "terrific" for the county and are now present at every police station and county courthouse.

Last year, Delaware County suffered 204 drug-related deaths, according to White. One hundred-four of those were tied to heroin.

"This year," White said, "we've had 32 heroin deaths."

The White House announced on Sept. 16 the week of Sept. 18 through Sept. 24 will be National Prescription Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week.

"I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that raise awareness about the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic," President Barack Obama said in the proclamation

Delaware County has been on the forefront of that fight for some time now.

White said Delaware County, thanks to efforts put forth by District Attorney Jack Whelan, was the first county in Pennsylvania to give its police departments narcan/naloxone, which is an opioid effect-reversing drug administered to overdose patients that White said has saved over 200 lives.

"Through (Whelan's) efforts, we are able to have every police car carry at least two doses of narcan," White said. "Those doses are paid for by grants so it doesn't cost the taxpayer anything."

But White said the battle is ongoing and must be won to win the war on opioid and heroin abuse and addiction, saying the drop boxes are a preventative measure that is integral to the fight.

"We used to have tow days a year where you could drop off medicine," he said. "Now with the 40 boxes it's much easier to do at your convenience any time."

He said not only are the boxes available 24 hours a day year round, but they are anonymous. White even said anyone looking to safely dispose of medications can remove the labels on medicine bottle and packages to add another layer of anonymity.

White said no one should not try to dispose it themselves in any way, including throwing medicine in the trash or flushing it down the toilet. When the boxes are emptied, the medications are incinerated to ensure no harm can be done to people or the environment.

White said it's important to empty medicine cabinets regularly to avoid medications ending up in the wrong hands and even said medications have been pilfered at real estate open houses, typically with a team where one person distracts the realtor while the other searches for medications.

"We tell people to treat medicine like money or jewelry," he said. "Don't leave it out and lock it up."

While medicine drop boxes are a proactive measure to keep drugs away from potential abusers and addicts, the county has also ushered in a recovery program to help those struggling with addiction by hiring two Certified Recovery Specialists back in March. Those specialists are notified of overdoses in the area and then are made avialable to anyone who wishes to get help fighting drug abuse and addiction.

“People kept saying, ‘it’s great you are saving lives with naloxone, or Narcan, but what’s next?’” White said in March. “We knew we needed to connect these overdose survivors with treatment, which means helping them through the complex process of accessing a treatment program.”

White said the only true way to save lives is with treatment and breaking the cycle of addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, call a Delaware County Certified Recovery Specialist at (610) 713-2384, or visit the Delaware County Heroin Task Force website for more information.

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