As winter fades and the days start getting longer in Monroe County, many families begin the annual ritual of spring cleaning, opening windows, clearing out clutter, and refreshing their homes for the season ahead.
There’s one place many people forget to check: the medicine cabinet.
Unused or expired medications sitting in drawers and cabinets can create serious risks for families and communities. This April, as part of your spring cleaning routine, we encourage Monroe County residents to take a few extra minutes to safely dispose of medications you no longer need. It’s a simple step that can help prevent misuse, reduce accidental poisoning, and keep dangerous substances out of the wrong hands.
Prevention starts at home, and every small action can help protect our community.
Why Cleaning Out Your Medicine Cabinet Matters
Many people don’t realize that prescription medications, especially pain medications, are often misused after being left in a home medicine cabinet.
Old prescriptions may be forgotten, shared, or taken without a doctor’s guidance. Even medications that were prescribed for legitimate reasons can become dangerous if they’re taken incorrectly or by someone else.
With fentanyl and other synthetic opioids increasingly appearing in unprescribed pills and illegal drug supplies, prevention has never been more important. Safely disposing of unused medications helps eliminate one more opportunity for misuse.
Mark Your Calendar: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
One of the easiest ways to safely dispose of medications is by participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, happening this year on April 25.
This nationwide initiative gives residents a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.
Local law enforcement agencies and community partners throughout Monroe County will host drop-off locations where medications can be safely collected and disposed of.
Accepted items typically include:
- Unused or expired prescription medications
- Pills and tablets
- Capsules and patches
- Certain over-the-counter medications
By taking part in Take Back Day, you’re doing more than cleaning out your home. You’re helping reduce the availability of medications that could be misused.
For local Monroe County drop-off locations, visit our take back locations page.
Spring Means Summer Planning for Families
Spring also marks the beginning of another important season in Monroe County, summer camp registration.
From recreational programs to youth camps, local organizations provide incredible opportunities for kids to stay active, make friends, and learn new skills during the summer months.
We are committed to supporting youth education and prevention efforts across our community, and we’re excited to partner with organizations that are helping young people build healthy, confident futures.
Some of the programs families often explore include:
- Stroudsburg Recreation Summer Camp
- Poconos Springs Camp
- Pinebrook Day Camp
- International Sports Training Camp
These programs create safe spaces where kids can grow, stay engaged, and develop positive connections with peers and mentors.
Throughout the summer, prevention education and community outreach remain a priority. When young people have access to supportive environments and open conversations about substance use, they are more prepared to make safe choices.
Prevention Starts with Community
Over the past few years, Monroe County has made meaningful progress in addressing the opioid crisis through education, community outreach, and prevention efforts. Schools, families, law enforcement, and health professionals have all played a role in building awareness and providing resources.
However, this work is ongoing, and it takes all of us.
This April, we invite you to take one small step:
- Clean out your medicine cabinet
- Participate in National Take Back Day
- Talk to your family about medication safety
Together, we can continue building a safer, healthier Monroe County.
Prevention starts locally, and when we work together, we can stop fentanyl poisoning before it starts.