Preventing tragedy through drug take-back day

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Those in the fight against drug abuse are ramping up efforts this weekend to help prevent a tragedy.

October 26, marks National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

A lock bag, pill disposal bags, and more were all handed out for free Saturday afternoon at the Luzerne County Courthouse. The District Attorney’s Office hosts this annual Drug Take-Back Day.

This year’s setup was a drive-through where people could drop off pills they no longer needed. They were also able to receive Narcan kits at no cost.

“Which can counteract the effects of an overdose so that’s free to anybody that comes through to drop off prescriptions or wants to pick it up,” said District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.

For those who were not able to bring their pills that wasn’t a problem.

“We also have drug deactivation bags you put your drugs inside with some water and it will actually neutralize the drugs and you just zip the bag up and throw it in the garbage,” stated D.A. Sanguedolce.

Everyone here feels strongly about the importance of proper medication disposal.

“I got up early on a Saturday just to be here because that’s how important getting unused medications out of homes is to me. It’s, we gotta keep people safe we gotta keep our kids safe we gotta keep our elderly people safe,” explained Stefanie Wolownik the Prevention Educational Specialist at WVADS.

“I think it’s a good example of you know how important we think this issue is you know everybody has their own families and as their own lives and things to do on the weekend and they decided it was important enough to volunteer their time to come here try to do something that ensures the safety of the community and our children in the community, especially,” added D.A. Sanguedolce.

If you were unable to make it out to Saturday’s event no worries.

Visit their website to learn more about helpful information in the fight against substance use disorder.

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