STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Support Agency says its medication safety initiative for older adults in Barren, Metcalfe and Monroe counties is continuing to grow with help from dozens of local partners. The program focuses on making it easier and safer for older adults to get rid of unused or expired medications at home. It is working with 46 community partners to distribute Deterra in-home medication deactivation pouches free of charge, according to the agency.
The pouches are designed to help people safely dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, including many controlled substances. Program organizers say Deterra pouches provide a simple and environmentally responsible way to handle extra medications. Users place the medications into the pouch, add warm water, seal it and then throw the sealed pouch in the household trash. The medication is permanently deactivated inside the pouch.
The Support Agency reports it has completed six educational programs across Barren, Metcalfe and Monroe counties. Those sessions have focused on medication safety, proper storage and why it is important to safely dispose of drugs that are no longer needed. In addition, the agency says it has distributed Deterra pouches at three community events, making it easier for older adults and caregivers to receive the free resources.
Public health officials warn that unused or expired medications left in the home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning, medication errors, misuse, theft and environmental harm. Older adults are encouraged to review their prescriptions regularly with their health care providers and to safely dispose of medicines that have expired or are no longer needed.
Dr. Lynda Wilkerson, executive director of the Support Agency, said community partnerships are allowing the group to reach more older adults than ever before. She said that by working together, the agency and its partners are helping reduce risks from unused medications while keeping safe disposal convenient, free and accessible.
Looking ahead, the Support Agency plans to restock all participating partner sites in August to keep Deterra pouches readily available across the three-county area. Staff also expect to appear at community events throughout the summer to share education materials and hand out free pouches to older adults and caregivers. Agency leaders say these combined efforts are meant to ensure every older adult in Barren, Metcalfe and Monroe counties has easy access to safe medication disposal options and better information about medication safety.
Key Facts
– Support Agency reports continued success with a medication safety initiative for older adults
– Program serves Barren, Metcalfe and Monroe counties with help from 46 community partners
– Free Deterra in-home pouches allow safe disposal of unused and expired medications
– Six education programs and three community events have supported outreach so far
– Partner sites will be restocked in August, with more events planned through the summer
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