In just four hours, communities across the country came together in support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Drug Take Back Day on April 26, 2025. With participation from 4,472 law enforcement partners and 4,590 collection sites, this nationwide event resulted in the safe disposal of 620,321 lbs (310 tons) of unwanted or expired medications. HC DrugFree is proud to have…
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, HC DrugFree’s Medication and Sharps Collection site gathered 1,359.5 lbs of unwanted and expired medications for proper disposal, contributing to an impressive national total of 620,321 lbs (310 tons) on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Drug Take Back Day. In addition to the medications, community members dropped off large quantities of sharps for disposal, which were not weighed. HC…
Don’t know what to do with your leftover, expired, or unwanted meds and sharps? Please join HC DrugFree in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot for our convenient twice-a-year drive-thru medication and sharps disposal event as a part of the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day!💊 All collected medications are guarded and transported by…
National Fentanyl Awareness Day will be observed on April 29, 2025, with the intention of educating the public and calling for action, providing vital information and tools for keeping families, schools, and communities safe amidst the fentanyl crisis. One major focus of National Fentanyl Awareness Day is the increase of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl…
“Spring: a reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” – Unknown As the sun rises earlier, and the icy winter thaws into spring, there are signs of new life and new beginnings all around us. The flowers bloom and grass grows green, and as the seasons change, we too can embrace a fresh start.…
When I read about “Sharing My Story” I thought, “I don’t have a story to tell. I can tell you about a loved one, but is it really my story to tell? After much contemplation, I realized that I did have a story. Although the pain of addiction was not mine, the hollow ache of…
A new study from the University of California San Diego challenges the widespread belief that e-cigarettes aid in smoking cessation. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 U.S. smokers and found that those who vaped, whether daily or occasionally, were actually less likely to quit smoking compared to those who didn’t vape. Specifically, smoking cessation rates…
For the first time in years, drug-related deaths in the U.S. are declining at an unprecedented pace, signaling a potential turning point in the fentanyl crisis. According to new research, overdose fatalities have dropped by roughly 25% nationwide, with some states seeing declines of up to 52.9%. This sharp reduction suggests that a combination of…
Many cough and cold medicines contain dextromethorphan (DXM), a safe and effective cough suppressant when used as directed. However, DXM misuse is on the rise among teens seeking a cheap and easy high. Found in over 70 OTC medicines, DXM in large doses can cause hallucinations, paranoia, impaired coordination, and even life-threatening effects, especially when…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi was selected by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and confirmed by County Council to serve on the newly-established Opioid Restitution Fund Commission. Members of this commission will review and provide recommendations about the use of settlement and grant funds related to addressing opioid use disorders. According to County Executive…
