New drug takeback program with United Way of St. Joseph County

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- United Way of St. Joseph County and the 525 Foundation have started a new drug takeback program that allows residents to safely dispense drugs from their own home.

With the help of county police, the two organizations are sending free bags of Deterra to participating residences that people can place pills into, add water and shake to neutralize old, unwanted drugs.

“Our goal here is to think differently, to serve more individuals, and so it was, 'Why not try it?' It is something that we found to be incredibly successful, and that our partners are really excited about utilizing,” said Laura Jensen, CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County.

Leaders hope this new program will help efforts to lower opioid abuse, addiction and overdoses.

For more information or to order a Deterra bag to be delivered to your front door for free, call 574-232-8201 or 574-360-0462.