APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Campaigns against opioid abuse and addiction seem to be paying off – at least a little bit – here in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin saw a 10% drop in opioid deaths from 2017-2018. That’s the first drop since 2015.
But with opioid abuse still in the top three health problems identified in the ThedaCare health system, the hospitals took on part of a national campaign from the CDC. The “It Only Takes a Little to Lose a Lot.” campaign included billboards, social media, medication takeback boxes and public service announcements.
“70% of people who abuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family. We really want to prevent addiction from even happening in the first place,” says Medication Diversion Prevention Specialist Sarah Raether, “Disposal is one of those easy just-do-its, something that we can tackle within our system and really make a huge impact.”
ThedaCare was able to utilize donations to set up 24/7 medication take-back boxes at all of their facilities back in August.
“In a short amount of time we’ve collected just over 500 pounds of medication. With our seventh box going back up after the remodel in Neenah, that number will likely go up exponentially,” Raether tells WTAQ News, “Really what it boils down to is increasing and expanding access not only within our regional medical centers in Appleton and Neenah – but especially in the rural areas where it’s not so easily accessible.”
The accessibility is important – so patients aren’t stuck stockpiling or flushing old prescriptions. Raether says the boxes are the safest and most environmentally friendly option.
But what is all accepted in those take-back boxes?
Accepted items for disposal: Expired, unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications Medicated ointments Non-aerosol spraysNOT Accepted for disposal: Needles/lancets/syringes Thermometers IV bags Diabetes test kits Personal care products (shampoo, lotion, etc.) Inhalers Liquids
