What’s the big deal about the little pouch?

Ohio Northern University HealthWise and Healthy Lifestyles Coalition of Hardin County substance abuse committee have joined in partnership to distribute Deterra bags in the county.

The bags deactivate drugs in a safe, convenient and effective way. And, the bags are environmentally friendly. The pouch system neutralizes pills, liquid and patches.

Adellyn McPheron, ONU mobile clinic coordinator with ONU HealthWise, said that the bags are being distributed at no charge to the community this spring.

The bags are funded by a donation from Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) and from The Ohio Department of Health Prescription Drug Overdose Grant, 2017-2019, obtained by the Kenton-Hardin Health Department.

McPherson said that the bags will be distributed in several locations in the county. One of the Ada locations is the ONU HealthWise Pharmacy. Bags will be available there Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m.

Bags will be available until the end of June or until they are all distributed.

Hardin residents will also learn about the bags during displays at several county events. At these events coalition members will explain the importance of safe drug disposal, answer questions, and provide an optional survey about safe drug disposal.

Organizations interested in partnering in this distribution project can contact McPheron at [email protected] or by calling at 419-772-1089.

How to use the bags
1 – Tear open the pouch and place unused medications inside
2 – Fill pouch halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds
3 – Seal the pouch tightly and dispose of in normal trash.