Band to Receive 5,000 Drug Disposal Kits to Safely Dispose of Prescriptions

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Donation provides resources and information to help combat opioid abuse

MILLE LACS RESERVATION – To help promote the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has received a donation of 5,000 drug disposal kits from the Addiction Policy Leadership Action Network (APLAN), a partnership between the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Addiction Policy Forum. The Mille Lacs Band Department of Health and Human Services will use the kits to help prevent opioid abuse and enhance education efforts.

“The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on our community and other Native communities. Identifying solutions is a top priority for us, and we want to partner with groups that share our sense of urgency,” said Rebecca St. Germaine, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. “Making drug disposal kits easily available to Band members is part of the solution.”

The kits contain pouches to be used at home to safely dispose of unwanted medications. Once medicines (liquids or pills) are removed from their containers and placed in the pouch with water, they become unpalatable and in some cases neutralized, and the bag is then safe to place in the trash.

Other options for safe disposal include utilizing take-back locations, including the Mille Lacs Band’s Tribal Police Department headquarters and some pharmacies.

“We have supported the efforts of several Minnesota organizations and communities in their efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” said Linda Carroll-Shern, deputy vice president of PhRMA. “This public health challenge is too big and too complex for any one group to take on alone. We are very proud to help the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe increase awareness on how to prevent opioid misuse.”

About the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

The Mille Lacs Reservation is located in east central Minnesota and is the perpetual home of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The Band supports its members with a variety of services for economic, social and cultural advancement, including health services, early childhood and youth centers, and economic development.