Following a nationwide settlement with opioid distributors, Henry County received funds that will be utilized to promote opioid prevention and/or treatment. To do so, they have purchased Deterra drug disposal pouches.

Tasked with managing, disbursing, and recording the funds, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office will be distributing these pouches to the public, beginning at the Stride into Summer Family Walk at the East Lake Park on Sunday, June 4. The Sheriff’s Office plans to continue giving out the disposal pouches at community events around Henry County throughout the remainder of the year.

Deterra drug disposal pouches are small, sealable pouches that have a simple three-step process to deactivating and disposing drugs. To use, place the pills, small amounts of liquid, or patches inside the pouch, fill the recommended amount of water, seal it, and the product is then deactivated and rendered safe. The pouches are a USDA certified biobased product, which allows them to be safely disposed of in a household trash can.

Drug disposal pouches are also available at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other partner agencies in the county, including the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services.