DisposeRx Opioid Disposal Solutions is Part of the Continued Efforts to Address the Nations’ Opioid Epidemic
Paris, TN —The Paris and Henry County Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (PHCHF) and Henry County Medical Center (HCMC) recently obtained access to free DisposeRx packets to distribute throughout Henry County and the surrounding region in an effort to help address unused narcotic medications in homes.
The DisposeRx product was obtained through an Opioid Reduction grant provided by the AmerisourceBergen Foundation. DisposeRx packets contain a biodegradable powder that, when mixed with water in the prescription vial, dissolve drugs, forming a viscous gel which can be safely discarded in the trash.
“DisposeRx packets are an innovative and easy-to-use drug disposal solution that can be used to help decrease access to unused prescription medications in our community,” says Allison Castleman, RN, MSN, Project Director with the PHCHF. “While there’s no single solution to the opioid crisis, practicing safe medication disposal is an important step we can all take.”
DisposeRx packets contain a blend of patented and proprietary solidifying materials that provide a safe and permanent solution for the disposal of unwanted, unused, or expired medications, including pills, tablets and capsules. When water and the DisposeRx powder are added to drugs in the prescription vial and shaken, the drugs are dissolved and then both chemically and physically sequestered in a biodegradable, viscous gel from which they cannot be extracted. The vial can then be discarded in household trash.
Packets will be distributed in a variety of ways throughout Henry and the surrounding counties over the next year. Opportunities for disbursement include health fairs, screenings, group education classes, and others. The packets will be distributed free of charge to any citizen who wishes to have access to this resource. Every effort will be made to provide access to these resources in a variety of community settings for all citizens of Henry County and the surrounding region.
For more information about the DisposeRx program or to have these available at your next event or activity, call Castleman at 731-644-8300.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.