YCAR Provides Realtors with Drug Disposal Bags for Open Houses

BOARDMAN, Ohio – The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors has started a new initiative aimed at curbing prescription drug abuse.

The association will provide members with drug disposal bags that will be given to clients before an open house. Law enforcement agencies in Ohio have confirmed attempts by people posing as prospective home buyers in order to steal items, including prescription medications such as opioid painkillers. 

The medium-sized Deterra bags can deactivate up to 45 pills, six ounces of liquid or six dermal patches.

“Realtors feel it is important to keep families of this community safe by disposing of expired or unused prescription drugs,” said YCAR treasurer and chairman of the Realtor Safety Committee Dennis Gonatas in a statement.

In the first quarter of 2020, the White House Drug Policy Office reported an 11.4% year-over-year increase in overdose deaths from opioid abuse. In addition, nearly half of teens of misuse prescription drugs get them from their home medicine cabinet, according to the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance.

The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors’ recommendation is to always secure any valuables or prescription medications prior to hosting an open house.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.