South Heartland District Health Department

Substance Misuse in Our Community

May 29, 2024

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Substance misuse is one of the five community issues prioritized in our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2019-2024. Our goal, with our partners, is to reduce the impact of substance misuse in our community through promoting prevention, expanding treatment and connecting people to resources.

While medications address health concerns in many positive ways, there is also a risk of misuse or abuse. Individuals who take medication or give it to their children need to know how to give the medication, how to store the medication and how to dispose of the medication.

How to Dispose of Expired Medication Yourself?

You can dispose of drugs yourself by placing them in a resealable plastic bag, crushing them, adding water to the bag, then mixing in coffee grounds, kitty litter, or sawdust. Simply place the bag in the trash.  Please do not flush or pour medication down a drain.

Another way to destroy unwanted medications is by using the Deterra drug deactivation system, available for free at SHDHD and also at ASAAP (Area Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention) in Hastings. You can also get Deterra at Amazon, 3 packages for roughly $20. Directions for use are clearly included on the back of the package. It's as easy as adding the drugs and some warm water.

Where to Take Expired Medications?

A permanent drug disposal bin is now located at Walmart in Hastings near the pharmacy department. Unwanted medications are accepted anonymously during store hours.

During the months of April and October, SHDHD supports Drug Take-back Days in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.

Participating pharmacies sponsor drug take-back programs year round:

Naloxone (Narcan)

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing if a person's breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.

Why Get Narcan

Those who use opioids or care about someone who uses opioids should have Narcan available. Narcan is a nasal spray that contains naloxone. If you suspect an opioid overdose --  the victim is limp and unresponsive, with slow or absent breathing -- Narcan will temporarily reverse the effects of opioids until medical services arrive. It can save a life.

Nebraska had 231 overdose deaths in 2020. Narcan can lower those numbers. Don't worry, Narcan cannot cause harm if used on someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.

Good Samaritan Laws

People may be wary of calling 911 before administering Narcan, fearing legal repercussions. However, no matter what drugs are present at the scene, there is no legal risk when calling for help with a substance overdose.

It is highly important that someone call 911 first, then administer Narcan and wait for help to arrive. Nebraska Good Samaritan Laws want you to help without fear!

Go to these participating stores for a free pack of Narcan:

Russ's Market Pharmacy, 611 N Burlington Ave, Hastings, NE 68901

Super Saver Pharmacy, 710 W State St, Grand Island, NE 68801

U-Save Pharmacy, 423 W 4th S, Grand Island, NE 68801

Do You Have Opioid Use Disorder?

If you have Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), you may be able to access Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). MOUD is often available through a primary care provider for those suffering from OUD. There are 120 licensed professionals available in various parts of the state who treat using MOUD. Many offer telehealth services. There are also online support groups specific to opioid misuse that may be helpful.

To find out about these options, visit the Nebraska Drug Overdose Prevention dashboard.

Other Resources

• Start Your Recovery- Resource

  "Our goal is to offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey."

• Nebraska Rehab

  Are you looking for drug and alcohol recovery centers in Nebraska? Find available up-to-date information about drug and alcohol rehabs near you or call us to talk to a rehab specialist.

• Nebraska NA Meetings
• South Heartland Resource Guide
• Free Rehab Center
• Local Detox
• Find AA Meetings in Nebraska