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Drug Disposal Boxes
In 2013, Drug Free Delaware partnered with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Delaware City Police Department to establish permanent medication disposal boxes throughout Delaware County. These secure, conveniently located collection sites provide residents with a safe way to dispose of unused or expired medications. By keeping unwanted medications out of homes and ensuring their proper disposal, this initiative helps prevent medication misuse, protects the environment, and promotes a safer, healthier community.
Deterra® Drug Deactivation System
Drug Free Delaware regularly distributes Deterra Pouches as an alternative for unused or expired medications to be safely disposed of at home. Deterra® is a drug deactivation system that uses proprietary activated carbon to permanently destroy prescription and over the counter pills, patches, liquids, creams and films.
Deterra Plant-Based Pouches use a simple three-step process with water to deactivate the product. They do not expire so having them on hand when you have a smaller amount to dispose of is another safe, environmentally sound way to dispose of medication.
In the past 30 days, 28.4% of Delaware County adults ages 21 and older reported binge drinking at least once.
This exceeds the Healthy People 2030 national target of 22.7%.
Programs We Support
Drug Free Delaware partners with local organizations, community leaders, and prevention initiatives to promote healthy choices, raise awareness, and prevent substance misuse. Through education, community events, and collaborative outreach, we connect individuals and families with valuable information and resources that support a healthier, stronger Delaware County.
Explore some of the programs and initiatives we support:
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week, observed annually October 23–31, is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. Since 1985, it has brought schools, families, and communities together to raise awareness, encourage healthy choices, and promote drug-free lifestyles.
Drug Free Delaware supports Red Ribbon Week throughout Delaware County by providing educational materials and prevention resources to our four public school districts: Olentangy Local, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, and Big Walnut. We also collaborate with school resource officers from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Delaware City Police Department to share school-specific prevention messages, engage students and families, and encourage students to pledge to live drug-free.
Parents Who Host Lose the Most
Parents Who Host Lose the Most is a public awareness campaign developed by Prevention Action Alliance to educate parents and caregivers about the health, safety, and legal risks of providing alcohol to underage youth.
Drug Free Delaware partners with local law enforcement and school resource officers to share campaign messages with parents, students, and the broader community. Through school communications, educational materials, and community outreach, we help raise awareness, encourage responsible choices, and prevent underage drinking.
In the past 30 days, 11% of Delaware County adults reported recreational marijuana use.
This increased from 9% in the 2022 Community Health Assessment.
This program simulates a teenager’s bedroom and allows the adult to see the environment with fresh eyes
Click the play icon to watch the video
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive educational program designed to help parents, caregivers, and other adults recognize potential signs of substance use and risky behaviors among adolescents. Using a simulated teenager’s bedroom, participants learn to identify hidden drug paraphernalia, recognize warning signs, and better understand current substance use trends. The presentation also provides practical guidance and information about local resources.
Drug Free Delaware partners with local law enforcement agencies to bring Hidden in Plain Sight presentations to schools and community organizations throughout Delaware County. Officers from the Delaware City Police Department, Powell Police Department, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office help deliver the program, while the coalition provides materials, supplies, and administrative support.
Safety Town
Safety Town is an interactive educational program that teaches young children essential safety and injury prevention skills. Typically designed for children entering kindergarten or first grade, the program uses hands-on activities to introduce important topics such as fire safety, traffic and bicycle safety, emergency preparedness, water safety, and poison prevention.
Throughout Delaware County, Safety Town programs are offered by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police Department, and Powell Parks and Recreation Department. Drug Free Delaware partners with these programs to provide age-appropriate education on poison prevention and medication safety, helping children develop safe habits from an early age.
Look for registration openings in late spring for camps offered during the summer months using the links below:
Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about overdose, remembering those who have been lost, and supporting the families and friends affected. It encourages communities to reduce stigma surrounding substance use and promote education, prevention, treatment, and recovery.
In Delaware County, community partners recognize Overdose Awareness Day by hosting events that provide education and resources focused on preventing drug misuse and overdose. Through collaboration between the Drug Free Delaware Coalition, the Delaware Public Health District, Ohio Wesleyan University, and other local partners, community members can learn about safe medication storage, proper disposal, overdose prevention strategies, and available support services.
These efforts help raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and connect individuals and families with resources that support a healthier and safer community.