Drug take back day: People across the city drop off unused prescription drugs
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U of R’s surgery department teamed up with state police for its annual “Drug take back day”. Medical staff at U of R say they took in over 50 bags of unused drugs during Saturday’s event. The main focus is to divert drugs going from a medicine cabinet into the street.
“50% to 85% of patients who become heroin users started by abusing prescription opioids,” U of R surgical resident, Alexa Melucci said.
People across the city dropped off their unused prescription drugs to help divert them from filtering into the streets.
University of Rochester surgical department, fronted the event on Elmwood Avenue, with the help of Strong Memorial and New York State Police.
There was also an opportunity for education and for people to get free Narcan kits. One recovery team member at Strong shared her personal story.
U of R's surgery department teamed up with state police for its annual "Drug take back day". Medical staff at U of R say they took in over 50 bags of unused drugs during Saturday's event. The main focus is to divert drugs going from a medicine cabinet into the street.
“Not only is Narcan lifesaving in general, but I also have lived experience with Narcan saving my life,” Kelly Quinn, said, part of community outreach for strong recovery.
Quinn says the city of Rochester is struggling with opioid abuse.
“A bystander with a Narcan kit on them can be the difference of someone’s family member coming home getting treatment and surviving, verses planning a funeral,” Quinn added.
If you don’t have the time to drop off, experts say don’t flush them. You can actually use coffee grounds or cat litter. You put the opioid in with either of those items mix with water and it deactivates the medication.