Mayor Don Walters Announces Federal Grant Award for Drug Disposal Program

City of Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters has announced that the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department has been awarded a federal grant through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs and Institute for Intergovernmental Research for $99,774 for the purchase of Deterra drug disposal bags on behalf of Summit County Community Partnership. The grant dollars will allow for the purchase of roughly 32,000 disposal bags that will be distributed to community partners across Summit County to help divert unused prescription medications to provide a safe and responsible drug disposal method, preventing abuse and misuse of leftover prescription medication.

“We are proud to continue our collaborative relationship with Summit County Community Partnership to help get Deterra bags into the homes of our community members so that prescription drugs can be disposed of safely, conveniently, and effectively,” stated Mayor Don Walters. “I am grateful for the additional financial resources that we are able to capitalize on through this grant as my administration remains committed to addressing substance abuse issues through our safety forces and community outreach efforts.”

“Summit County Community Partnership has over 150 distribution sites and, with these grant dollars, will be looking to partner with additional healthcare, support services, and public sector entities to dispense Deterra bags to increase accessibility for community members,” said Summit County Community Partnership Executive Director Darryl Brake. “Drug collection events are imperative to addressing substance abuse, but good prevention lasts beyond events. The Deterra bags allow community members the opportunity to safely dispose of their medications right in the comfort of their homes.”

Deterra bags come in small (holds 15 pills), medium (holds 45 pills), and large (holds 90 pills) sized pouches. Directions on properly using the drug deactivation systems are listed on the back of the bags to help with safe disposal. The user-friendly pouch deactivates prescription drugs and renders contents safe for landfills. After filling the specially formulated pouch with prescription drugs and regular tap water, it can be sealed and thrown away with the household trash. For additional information on obtaining and using Deterra bags, or those interested in disseminating Deterra bags, please visit cpsummit.org or contact Gina Miranda at gmiranda@cpsummit.org.