El Paso Public Safety Coalition Offers Free Medication Disposal Pouches at Fire Stations

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The El Paso Public Safety Coalition is helping residents safely dispose of medications by giving out free Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches at all El Paso Fire Department stations.

The coalition includes the EPFD, the Department of Public Health, and the El Paso Police Department (EPPD). Aliviane, a local organization focused on reducing substance use and building healthier communities, is supporting the effort by supplying Deterra pouches for distribution at EPFD stations.

Residents can pick up pouches at any EPFD station and use them at home to safely get rid of medications they no longer need.

El Paso Fire Department Fire Chief Jonathan Killings stated, “Providing our community with convenient access to safe medication disposal is another way we can help prevent accidental poisonings, medication misuse and other dangers associated with unused medications.” He added that “since fire stations are situated all over the city, residents have a convenient and accessible resource to help safely deactivate and dispose of medications in their homes.”

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, who leads the Local Health Authority, said, "the health and well-being of our community is our top concern and that prevention helps to save lives, enables people to live longer and safeguards our most vulnerable members of the community".

Residents are encouraged to check their homes for expired or unused medications and pick up free Deterra pouches at their local fire station.

To learn more about the EPFD or find a fire station near you, visit www.ElPasoTexas.gov/fire-department/.