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Aging & Disability Resource Center News

Posted on: May 16, 2022

Kenosha County collects over 1,800 pounds of medication during Drug Take Back Day

Samantha Kerkman, Kari Foss and Kristan Binninger at the 2022 Drug Take Back event

The local efforts of National Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2022, helped collect 1,883 pounds of medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today. 

The events, held at five locations across the county, were organized by the Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability & Behavioral Health Services.  

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an annual day of recognition that aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. 

The events not only helped safely dispose of medications but also provided education on how to use NARCAN and fentanyl test strips and information about services and support in Kenosha County. Behavioral Health Manager Kari Foss and the Kenosha County Opioid Task Force have been educating the community about the dangers of street drugs laced with fentanyl since early 2021. 

“I met a concerned father at Drug Take Back Day,” Foss said. “His college-age daughter is returning home soon, and he came to learn, get trained and obtain NARCAN. He was scared. Scared for her, her friends and our entire community, so he did what parents do: anything possible to keep their kids safe. That’s what keeps each one of us in both Human Services and law enforcement dedicated to this community.”

Foss thanked all of the community partners involved in making Drug Take Back Day a success. These agencies include the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, Pleasant Prairie Police Department, Twin Lakes Police Department, UW-Parkside Police Department, Kenosha County Public Health, Kenosha Human Development Services, Professional Services Group and the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition.

“This event is a reminder of how the community can come together to provide the support needed for recovery,” said Kerkman, “It is by the mutual support and sharing of resources that recovery remains a possibility and a priority for those experiencing substance use disorders. Thank you to all community partners for your dedication to Drug Take Back Day and all you do to support behavioral health in Kenosha County.”

The Kenosha County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resource Center, which can link people to resources for substance use disorder, may be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 262-764-8555. 

The Kenosha County crisis hotline operated by Kenosha Human Development Services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at 262-657-7188.

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