Submitted by Alli Behnke, HKYFS
(September 27, 2025) — Haddam/Killingworth Youth and Family Services, in partnership with the Haddam/Killingworth Community Coalition, Connecticut State Police, Nutmeg Pharmacy and Killingworth Family Pharmacy, is proud to participate in the DEA National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
This event provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way for residents to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, controlled substances, and used vapes—no questions asked. Drop-off locations will be available at Nutmeg Pharmacy in Higganum and at Killingworth Family Pharmacy from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In 2024 alone, the DEA seized 33.4 million fentanyl pills and more than 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder. Shockingly, it is estimated that seven out of ten pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, approximately two mg.
Prevention Resources
Throughout the event, attendees will also have access to additional prevention resources:
- Free Lock Bags for securing medications at home
- Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags for safe, at-home disposal of medications
These resources will be available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis
QPR/Naloxone Training/Free Naloxone
Minimizing access to opioids starts at home. Dispose of unused medications by obtaining a drug deactivation pouch from HKYFS, attending a Drug Take Back Day, or using the medication drop box at Troop F in Westbrook. Most important, talk to your child about the importance of remaining substance-free and the dangers of taking medications that aren’t prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Getting trained to administer Narcan is another good step in saving lives.
Our next Naloxone training is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Killingworth Library. Participants will receive hands-on instruction on how to administer Naloxone, a life-saving tool in reversing opioid overdoses. Participants will also receive a free dose of Naloxone (also known as Narcan).
In addition to receiving Naloxone, participants will learn QPR skills. QPR is: Question. Persuade. Refer. It is an easy-to-follow suicide prevention framework that can be learned in only 60 minutes. Through QPR training, individuals will come away with knowledge of how to ask someone if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and to help them in getting support through appropriate referral resources. QPR offers hope through positive actions.
Join us in taking an active step toward safeguarding our community by clearing out your medicine cabinets and learning valuable tools to prevent drug misuse and overdose.
For more information about DEA Drug Take Back Day, HKYFS’s prevention programs, or the HK Community Coalition please contact Prevention and Youth Program Coordinator, Kyana Anderson at PreventionCoordinator@hkyfs.org
