Understanding Safe Medication Disposal in the Uintah Basin
In 2020, there were 497 overdose deaths involving opioids in Utah. To learn more about overdose statistics and rates in Utah visit:
https://ibis.health.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/complete_profile/PoiDth.html
Source: https://ibis.health.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/view/PoiDth.UT_US.html
(622 drug overdose deaths, 8 out of 10 are a result of opioids.)
Improper medication disposal can have damaging effects on the environment, such as:
- Contamination of the drinking water supply
- Impacts on human health
- Impacts on aquatic organisms
The Utah “Use Only as Directed” campaign is a great resource that discusses opioid safety and proper medication disposal.
Safe needle and sharps disposal is an important element in safe medication disposal. Safely disposing of sharps reduces the risk of injury and illness.
Locally, TriCounty Health Department in Vernal offer a safe syringe exchange, harm reduction kits and hygiene kits. This service is offered by calling 435-709-6775.
SafeNeedleDisposal.org
State-specific information about how to properly dispose of your sharps and Utah disposal locations.
Utah Syringe Exchange
Utah Syringe Exchange Network Syringe Exchange Activity Schedule
Proper medication disposal keeps our families and friends safe by:
- Reducing accidental overdose
- Lowering addiction rates
- Closes the door to prescription theft
- Prevents damage to our environment from improperly disposed medications
Anyone with unused or expired medication can support safe disposal. Conveniently dispose of your medications at any secure drop box. (Duchesne County Sheriff's Office, Roosevelt City Building, Stewart's Marketplace, UBMC Pharmacy, Duchesne Valley Medical Clinic, Uintah County Sheriff's Office, ARMC).