Activity Highlight
Date: January 2, 2025
Counties Involved: Catron, Cibola, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Sierra, Socorro, Valencia
Distribution Methods: Mail-based campaigns and in-person events
Purpose: Provided residents with tools to safely deactivate and dispose of unused medications, supporting opioid misuse prevention efforts
Overview
The Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORC) has launched a significant prevention initiative by distributing Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System Pouches across rural New Mexico communities. These pouches offer a safe and effective method for residents to deactivate and dispose of unused or expired medications, including opioids and fentanyl, simply by adding water.
To maximize reach, the ORC coordinated both mail-based and in-person distribution strategies. Counties such as Cibola, Hidalgo, Sierra, and Valencia conducted direct mail campaigns, while Catron, Guadalupe, and Socorro made pouches available at county offices and community events.
This initiative aims to reduce the availability of unused medications, thereby decreasing the risk of misuse and environmental contamination. The ORC encourages community members to utilize these resources and participate in ongoing prevention efforts.
Making A Difference
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