Dodge Center, MN –As drug overdoses in the United States continue to hit record highs — over 109,000 Americans died of overdoses in the 12-month period ending in March 2022, according to the CDC — drug misuse prevention tools are more important than ever.
That’s why Dodge County Opioid Taskforce is providing the community with the Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System for permanent, at-home drug disposal.
Dodge County Taskforce is distributing Deterra Pouches to help local households prevent medication misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental harm by safely deactivating and disposing of unwanted medications.
“Dependence on prescription painkillers and other medication misuse often starts in the home medicine cabinet, where unused and expired medication can be easily accessed by family members and friends,” said Emma Basness, Health Educator at Dodge County Public Health. “By using these at-home drug deactivation and disposal pouches, we can help prevent substance misuse in Dodge County before it starts.”
In a simple 3-step process, a user deactivates drugs by putting them in a Deterra Pouch, adding water, shaking, and throwing away in the household garbage. Each pouch uses organic activated carbon to deactivate up 45 pills, 6 ounces of liquid, or up to 6 patches.
Deterra’s plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredients also prevent harmful chemicals from entering our landfills and water supplies, making the world safer for everyone.
Deterra pouches are free to public and can be picked up at the locations listed:
• Dodge Center Public Library
• Dodge Center City Hall
• Dodge County Public Health
• The Center Clinic
• Kasson Public Library
• Government Services Building in Mantorville
• Minnesota Prairie County Alliance in Mantorville
• West Concord City Hall/Library
Contact Dodge County Public Health office (507)-635-6150 or emma.basness@dodgecountymn.gov with questions or to request pouches.
About Dodge County Public Health
Dodge County Public Health (DCPH) serves the residents and community of Dodge County by providing critical health services and improving the community’s health outcomes. Employees at DCPH partner and collaborate with community-based organizations to prevent injury and the spread of disease, promote healthy behaviors, and protect against hazards. DCPH has been addressing community health issues and serving the public since 1922.
Call (507) 635-6150 or visit https://www.co.dodge.mn.us/departments/public_health.php for more information.
About Deterra and Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc.
Minneapolis-based Verde Environmental Technologies Inc. is a privately owned company committed to developing research-based scientifically proven solutions to reduce drug misuse and negative environmental impact. The patented Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System is powered by proprietary activated carbon, which deactivates drugs. Deterra is highly effective in adsorbing and firmly binding drugs, rendering them inert, unavailable for misuse and safe for the environment. Visit DeterraSystem.com to learn more.
