Leidos, a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science company and CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) will conduct a community awareness safe disposal event Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Maryland, in partnership with Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center.
More than 45 local community agencies are expected at the event, including representatives from Harford County, Cecil County, Baltimore County and Kent County.
Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who have used drugs began by using a prescription drug non-medically. To support local prevention efforts and safely dispose of unused medications, more than 100,000 Deterra® drug disposal pouches will be distributed to local community agencies. The Deterra® Drug Deactivation System is an easy, effective, and scientifically proven method of disposing of unused or expired medications.
A Deterra® pouch can deactivate any type of drug, including opioids. Place unused pills inside the pouch, add water, wait 30 seconds, seal the bag, and throw it away. Each Deterra® pouch contains activated carbon, which firmly bonds to pharmaceuticals, rendering their compounds inactive. In addition, the pouches are environmentally friendly.
“We hope our partnership with CADCA will be a model for other communities and companies of how to not only enhance local prevention efforts, but also increase community awareness about the dangers of substance abuse,” said Роджер Кроун, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Leidos.
“Around 66 percent of the more than 63,600 drug overdose deaths in 2016 involved an opioid,” said Генерал Артур Т. Дин, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CADCA. “The national opioid epidemic is going to take everyone working together. Primary prevention efforts are needed now more than ever.”
The April 21 event is part of the APG Discovery Fest, and is scheduled to coincide with DEA’s National Take Back Day on April 28, which aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about medication misuse.
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company’s 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $10.17 billion for the fiscal year ending in December 2017. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.
About APG
Aberdeen Proving Ground is an Army installation located in southern Harford County, Maryland, nearly midway between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. APG is recognized as one of the world’s most important research and development, testing and evaluation facilities for military weapons and equipment, and supports the finest teams of military and civilian scientists, research engineers, technicians and administrators.
Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center.
Governor Larry Hogan declared a State of Emergency in response to the heroin and opioid crisis, and established the Opioid Operational Command Center to lead the state’s response and coordinate directly with all 24 local jurisdictions. The Opioid Operational Command Center launched Before It’s Too Late https://beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov/ , the state’s effort to bring awareness to the heroin and opioid epidemic-and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at https://BeforeItsTooLateMD.org and 1-800-422-0009, the state crisis hotline.
Media Contacts:
Media who wish to attend should provide their full names and affiliation to the APG contact no later than close of business, Thursday, April 19.
APG
Philip Molter
443-861-6712
Лейдос
Jason Kello
571-526-6011
CADCA
Света Адьянтайя
703-706-0560 ext. 256
