EASTON, Pa. – Northampton County is offering a new service it says will help to keep unused medications out of the wrong hands and prevent addiction before it starts.
Beginning on Nov. 10, Deterra, a drug deactivation and disposal company, will start to send drug disposal pouches directly to the homes of Northampton County residents as a part of the county’s “Fake is Real” campaign.
The pouches are an at-home medication disposal method that allows for disposal of unwanted drugs as soon as they are no longer needed. Deterra destroys prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as fentanyl and illicit drugs, according to a release from the county.
“‘Fake is Real’ isn’t just a slogan,” said Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure in a statement. “We are taking decisive action.”
McClure said the county began Narcan trainings for county employees and residents and distribution of free Narcan at countywide events.
“Now, we are attempting to keep as many opioids out of the reach of young people as we can,” he said.
The Northampton County “Fake is Real” campaign aims to educate families — specifically young adults in the 18-35 age group — about the dangers of buying counterfeit prescription pills that may contain fentanyl.
The campaign is funded from the proceeds that the county secured from litigation against opioid manufacturers.
