DOVER (April 26, 2022) – Delaware will hold its 22^nd National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at locations statewide between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There will also be Sharps disposals for needle disposal at select locations, and overdose response education with free Narcan available at select locations.

Organized nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is operated locally by the Division of Public Health (DPH). The twice-a-year event is aimed at reducing the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse and has resulted in nearly 100,000 pounds of medication being collected since 2010. Properly discarding unused medications through this event is an important ongoing activity in the effort to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. Doing so reduces the risk of addiction by keeping prescription medications out of the hands of people who may misuse, abuse, or divert them, and helps reduce the risk of drug overdoses.

“The addiction for far too many people living with substance use first began because they had access to prescription medications from the homes of someone they know,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “By safely turning in your prescription medications that have expired, or that you no longer need, on Drug Take-Back Day, you can help fight the epidemic in Delaware while also making your home safer.”

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 16.1 million people reported misusing any prescription drug in the past 12 months. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. According to the state Division of Forensic Science, there were 515 overdose deaths in 2021 in Delaware, a 15 percent increase from the 447 reported in 2020.

In addition to the sites participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day activities, there are 28 permanent medicine drop-off locations across the state available year-round. Six of Delaware’s permanent drop-off sites are in Walgreens pharmacies and the other 22 are located in local law enforcement agencies. In addition to medicine drop off locations, DPH and community partners also distribute medication deactivation bags to the public to use at home. For a list of permanent collection sites and how to get a free disposal bag, visit www.helpisherede.com/understanding-addiction/safe-drug-storage-and-disposal.

The medications to be disposed of at the Take-Back Day locations must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers. Besides medications, vape pens and e-cigarettes will be collected if the batteries are removed. There are 25 locations participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back event. You can find the list of locations here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Delawareans can bring any used needles to be disposed of properly at the following locations (https://www.helpisherede.com/documents/DDPHOHCR-34668-HelpIsHereDE-SharpsDisposalLocations_R1.pdf). The used needle disposal containers are only for public and not commercial entities, and individuals will need to sign a waiver stating that needles are from home use. Outside of health care facilities, an estimated 7.8 billion injections occur a year according to solid waste and recycling organization Waste 360. Once recycled, needles can result in accidental sticks carrying blood-borne pathogens. The safest way to dispose of needles is to use a designated Sharps disposal container which is delivered to incinerators so that accidental exposure cannot occur.

To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, three of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back locations (Middletown, Wyoming, and Selbyville Police Departments) will also be offering Overdose Response Training and Narcan distribution to the public. It is recommended that anyone who has a prescription opioid or has friends and family who use opioid prescriptions or illicit drugs receive this training and the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For other community trainings and where you can get free Narcan go to: https://www.helpisherede.com/overdose-prevention.

For more details about the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/hhdrugtakeback.html.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 833-9-HOPEDE. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

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A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Dover – National studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, and that includes the home medicine cabinet. That’s why the Division of Public Health’s Healthy Homes Program is coordinating the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday September 12, 2015 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

During Drug Take-Back Day, Delawareans are asked to dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medicines at 26 collection sites across the state. Identification is not required at the free collection sites, and no questions will be asked.

More than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers obtain them through friends or relatives, or by raiding medicine cabinets, according to the 2011 Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined.

Additionally, past methods for disposing of unused medicines such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose potential health and safety hazards. Though not at dangerous levels yet, traces of several drugs have been found in private and public water systems throughout Delaware.
DPH’s participation in Drug Take-Back Day builds on recently announced efforts to combat Delaware’s drug addiction epidemic. On August 28, 2015 the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced a large donation of the overdose reversing drug naxalone, and the week before, DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf joined Governor Jack Markell and other state officials to unveil the state priorities for $4.45 million in new resources provided by the Fiscal Year 2016 to expand the capacity for residential treatment centers. In 2014, a total of 185 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, or about one person every other day. Many of those overdoses were the result of heroin or prescription painkillers. From January through July of this year, there have been 78 suspected overdose deaths.

Since the first statewide Drug Take-Back event held in May 2010, Delaware’s ten collection days have removed a total of 44,775 pounds of medicines from circulation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors the National Drug Take-Back days.

Delaware and Pennsylvania will have their Drug Take-Back Days earlier than the rest of the nation (September 26) due to Pope Francis’s impending visit to Philadelphia in late September.

The September 12 Drug Take-Back Day collection sites will accept prescription and over-the-counter pills, liquids, and cream medications, and even pet medications. Injectables and aerosols are not included in the program, and will not be accepted. Personal information should be removed from bottles and packages. More details are available at the Delaware Healthy Homes program webpage or by calling (800) 882-9539.

The Drug Take-Back Day collection sites, operating from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. are:

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
New Castle Delaware City Town Hall 407 Clinton Street Delaware City 19706
New Castle Newark Police Department 220 South Main Street Newark 19711
New Castle Christiana Care Medical Arts Pavilion II 4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd. Newark 19718
New Castle New Castle County Airport Terminal 151 N. Dupont Hwy New Castle 19720
New Castle New Castle County Police Department 3601 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle 19720
New Castle Wilmington Blue Rocks Stadium 801 S. Justinson St. Wilmington 19801
New Castle Wilmington VA Hospital 1601 Kirkwood Hwy Wilmington 19805
New Castle Shipley Manor Nursing Home 2723 Shipley Rd. Wilmington 19810

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
Kent Dover AFB Commissary 268 Galaxy Street Dover AFB 19902
Kent Cheswold Police Department 691 Main Street Cheswold 19904
Kent Dover Police Department 400 South Queen Street Dover 19904
Kent Heritage at Dover Assisted Living 1203 Walker Rd. Dover 19904
Kent Camden Police Department 1783 Friends Way Camden 19934
Kent Felton Delaware Town Hall 24 East Sewell Street Felton 19943
Kent Milford Police Department 400 N.E. Front Street Milford 19963
Kent Atlantic Apothecary 100 S. Main Street Smyrna 19977

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
Sussex Dagsboro Police Department 33134 Main Street Dagsboro 19939
Sussex Delaware State Police Troop 4 23652 Shortly Rd. Georgetown 19947
Sussex Laurel Police Department 205 Mechanic St. Laurel 19956
Sussex Lewes Police Department 114 East Third Street Lewes 19958
Sussex Milton Police Department 101 Federal Street Milton 19968
Sussex Ocean View Police Department 201 Central Ave Ocean View 19970
Sussex Beebe Medical Tunnel Center 18947 John Jay Williams Hwy. Rehoboth 19971
Sussex Rehoboth Beach Police Department 229 Rehoboth Ave Rehoboth 19971
Sussex CVS Pharmacy 36252 Lighthouse Road Selbyville 19975
Sussex Selbyville Town Hall 68 W. Church Street Selbyville 19975

Delaware’s Drug Take-Back Day totals:
May 14, 2010 – 1,680 lbs.
September 25, 2010 – 303 lbs.
April 30, 2011 – 4,395 lbs.
October 29, 2011 – 4,465 lbs.
April 28, 2012 – 6,808 lbs.
September 29, 2012 – 4,561 lbs.
April 27, 2013 – 6,122 lbs.
October 26, 2013 – 5,258 lbs.
April 26, 2014 – 6,476 lbs.
September 27, 2014 – 4,707 lbs.
TOTAL = 44,775 lbs.
Source: Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Healthy Environments

If you are unable to attend the event, you can still dispose of your prescription medication at one of Delaware’s eight permanent drug disposal sites. View the list of sites here. Additionally, Verde Technologies recently partnered with the Delaware Prescription Drug Action Committee (PDAC) and the Delaware Pharmacists Society (DPS) to launch the first Deterra Drug Deactivation System statewide pilot program in the country. Verde will work with six participating Delaware pharmacies to provide free Deterra Drug Deactivation System packages to residents so that they may safely and conveniently deactivate and dispose of unused highly addictive and sought after prescription medications at home. To view the press release, click here.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Law established in memory of Delaware victims

Wilmington, DE –Surrounded by families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses, Governor Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 116 today to address the rising number of these fatalities by granting criminal immunity to individuals who report an alcohol or drug overdose. The law bears the name of Kristen L. Jackson, who died of a prescription drug overdose in January 2012, when friends were afraid to call 911, and John M. Perkins Jr., who was killed by a heroin overdose in May 2011.

“If we might save just one life by removing the fear that prevents a victim or friend from calling for help, we should not hesitate,” said Markell, who also thanked the relatives of Jackson, Perkins and other victims.

“While dealing with a level of grief that most of us cannot comprehend, these families stepped forward to tell their stories of loss in the hope of preventing others from experiencing their heartache. Their efforts were crucial in establishing the Kristen L Jackson and John M. Perkins Jr. Law.”

SB 116 passed the Senate on June 18 and the House on June 26, with no dissenting votes in either chamber. It provides that someone who seeks medical attention for an overdose or life threatening emergency, including for him or herself, will not be arrested or prosecuted for crimes detailed in the law. These offenses do not include the most serious felonies, Classes A, B and C.

“This is a very big step and I’m thrilled that it has been signed into law today,” said Sen. Cathy Cloutier (R-Heatherbrooke), the bill’s prime sponsor. “I believe it is a law that will save lives in Delaware. Now we need to educate people that if they are with friends, they don’t need to be afraid to call 911 if things get out of hand. No one should die because of another’s fear of getting in trouble.”

“This has been an important, bipartisan effort on the part of Senator Cloutier and myself to save the lives of Delawareans,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, who also sponsored the bill. “We appreciate the help and input of the Delaware State Police, the Attorney General’s Office and the University of Delaware in crafting a law that will do just that. I also appreciate the leadership of the Senate, the House and of Governor Markell for acting quickly to enact this life-saving measure.”

Representatives Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), Michael Barbieri (D-Newark) and Michael Mulrooney (D-Pennwood) sponsored the bill in the House.

The new law builds on Delaware’s ongoing commitment to ending the epidemic of prescription drug abuse, which kills more Delawareans every year than traffic accidents. Last year, the Department of State launched the prescription monitoring program to track prescriptions and identify medical professional who abuse their license to prescribe highly addictive drugs.

Before ending its 2013 session Sunday night, the General Assembly passed reforms backed by the Department to mandate doctors’ participation in the program, while also reducing the amount of pills that can be prescribed in emergencies, and, for the first time, requiring prescribers and dispensers to take mandatory controlled substances training.

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Dr. Patrick Titus must meet stringent requirements for treating pain management patients

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has signed an order to accept a consent decree setting forth numerous requirements that Dr. Patrick Titus must satisfy before he is allowed to resume prescribing controlled substances. Dr. Titus’ Controlled Substance Registration was suspended in December 2011 when it was alleged that he had been overprescribing controlled substances and ignoring evidence that some of his pain management patients were abusing or diverting the controlled substances.

Dr. Titus admitted that he needs additional training and education to safely and effectively prescribe controlled substances to chronic pain patients. He also admitted that controls to prevent diversion and abuse of controlled substances were inadequate and may have actually led to abuse.

“This is unfortunately another of an increasing number of cases involving lax prescribing practices that lead to diversion and abuse of potentially dangerous drugs,” said Secretary Bullock. “The effects of prescription drug abuse and diversion can be devastating to individuals, families and communities. It is imperative that physicians strictly adhere to standards for safely prescribing controlled substances.”

Among the terms of the consent agreement, Dr. Titus must fulfill extensive requirements before his registration will be reinstated. These include evidence that his practice is fully equipped to comply with regulations and guidelines set forth by the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, the Federation of State Medical Boards, the American Pain Society and the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Furthermore, Dr. Titus’s staff must undergo training on these regulations and guidelines and appropriate medical record keeping practices. He will be subject to random audits for the next two years.

Dr. Titus must also complete 12 hours of Continuing Medical Education (“CME”), in addition to those regularly required for license renewal (40 hours), on opioid prescription practices, treatment of chronic pain, or other related topics before his suspension will be lifted. For the next two years, Dr. Titus must take 6 additional CME hours on these topics each year.

When treating patients for chronic pain, Dr. Titus must require toxicology screens.  He may not treat any pain management patients longer than six months. Thereafter, he must refer each patient to a recognized pain management physician for re-evaluation.