Definition
Story Behind the Curve
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in fewer opportunities for residents to safely dispose of unused medications at take back events in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, medication take back events resumed and grams of unused medications collected for disposal approached the 2019 level. 2023 has seen a sustained level of medications properly disposed of through medication take back events and permanent drop box locations.
Partners
Stanly County Project Lazarus (Substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery coalition)
Stanly County Safe Kids
Center for Prevention Services
Stanly County Health Department
Albemarle Police Department
Oakboro Police Department
Norwood Police Department
Community organizations that choose to host take back events
What Works
Permanent medication dropboxes are located in Albemarle, Norwood, and Oakboro police departments. Community medication take back events are planned throughout the county to help people safely dispose of unused prescription medications. Additionally, 1085 medication disposal kits were distributed to community members in 2022. These kits allow community members to deactivate prescription drugs at home to prevent them from being used illegally.