Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is an important part of the overall health of our community. Locally, Summit County Public Health provides harm reduction measures to support the health and safety of people and families dealing with active addiction.
Summit Safe Syringe Exchange Program
Summit Safe is a harm reduction program allowing clients to remain anonymous while receiving clean syringes and supplies, access to HIV and hepatitis C testing, naloxone and referral to treatment (if requested). Clinics are held weekly, and program staff encourage participants to bring used syringes so they can be disposed of properly.
Project DAWN
Prroject DAWN — DEATHS AVOIDED WITH NALOXONE — is a community-based drug overdose education and naloxone distribution program. By attending a free clinic, family and friends of persons struggling with opioid addiction can learn how to combat an overdose by performing first aid and administering naloxone. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. The effects of naloxone are temporary, and emergency medical treatment is still required.
Learn more about these programs, times and locations at scph.org.
Safe Medicine Disposal Methods
All of us can play a part by properly disposing of outdated or unused prescription medications. Taking the time to use one of these disposal methods can help prevent the unwanted / unused / outdated medications from falling into the wrong hands.
When a loved one passes, properly dispose of all of their prescription medications.
Drug Take Back Days
The Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day twice per year. These events provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. In 2016, Summit County residents turned in 3,037 lbs. of medication.
D.U.M.P.
Summit County Public Health partners with other communities to provide drug disposal sites throughout the community.Dispose of Unused Medications Properly “D.U.M.P.” boxes are a safe, effective way to dispose of medications in the form of pills, capsules or liquids. Simply take the unwanted medicine to one of the several D.U.M.P. box locations throughout the county, and the medication will be safely destroyed, no questions asked.
Deterra Drug Deactivation Pouches
Summit County Community Partnership received a donation of 40,000 Deterra drug deactivation pouches from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals that are available for Summit County residents to safely and easily dispose of prescription medications. The pouch deactivates prescription drugs and renders remaining contents safe for landfills. After filling the specially formulated pouch with pills, add tap water, then it can be sealed and thrown away with household trash. Acme Fresh Market Pharmacies are providing a pouch with each opiate prescription or receive a FREE pouch by request at 16 of their locations. Contact Summit County Community Partnership for additional information at 330-374-0947.