Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Will County Executive

I am honored to serve as your Will County Executive. As a lifelong resident of this great county, I have witnessed many changes as we have evolved from an ag-community to a major hub in the global distribution market. I am dedicated to building upon this status but I am equally dedicated to maintaining the quality of life for the nearly 700,000 residents and thousands of businesses and organizations that call Will County home.

Please explore our website which is filled with important information about services and departments within the County Executive office as well as connections to other county officials’ websites.

Will County is diverse, vibrant and filled with hard-working people. We have room to grow and we look forward to a great future.

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive

What's Happening in Will County

County Executive Bertino-Tarrant joins State Representative Manley and Local Partners in Providing Free Drug Disposal Kits

Anonym / Tuesday, December 14, 2021

/ Categories: News, Press Releases, Home Page

County Executive Bertino-Tarrant joins State Representative Manley and Local Partners in Providing Free Drug Disposal Kits

– In an effort to curb opioid misuse and provide a safe and easy way to dispose of unused medications, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is partnering with State Representative Natalie Manley and the Joliet Fire Department (JFD) to offer FREE Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal Kits at 12 locations across the city.

“Battling opioid abuse remains an ongoing priority and I urge the public to use these kits to dispose of unwanted medications,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “This pilot project is a critical first step in making this resource available to residents throughout the county.”

Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits break down prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as pills, patches, liquids, creams, and films, making them inactive when water is added. The pilot program was implemented with assistance from the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (HERO) and the Joliet Fire Department volunteered to serve as the first distribution agency for the kits, which will also be available at front desks of Joliet City Hall, both Joliet Police stations, and at the nine JFD stations throughout the city.

“Unused prescription drugs can significantly contribute to the opioid epidemic, creating opportunities for misuse,” said Manley. “Providing a safe and effective way to dispose of unwanted and expired medications is a simple step to combat this crisis. I am thankful to the Joliet Fire Department for stepping up as our first distribution point.”

“We’re proud to be making this life-saving resource available to residents,” said Joliet Fire Department Chief Greg Blaskey. “Opioid addiction impacts every community, and these kits will help ensure that unused medications do not reenter circulation.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 100,000 overdose deaths occurred in the United States at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2020 and April 2021. Seventy-five percent of these deaths were attributed to opioid misuse. As more Will County residents have struggled with opioid addiction during the pandemic, HERO has worked to provide avenues of support for families and their loved ones who are struggling with addiction.

“Stress and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic attributed to an increase in opioid use and overdoses, including misuse of prescription drugs,” said Dr. John Roberts, President of HERO. “Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits provide an easy way for residents to dispose of medications before they can contribute to this crisis. I look forward to identifying future opportunities to distribute this resource.”

The Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits are available at the following locations, along with being made available on every JFD fire truck and ambulance:

• City Hall – 150 W. Jefferson Street
• Joliet Police Department Main Station - 150 W Washington Street
• Joliet Police Department West Sub Station - 7196 Caton Farm Road
• JFD Station #1 - 101 E. Clinton St.
• JFD Station #3 - 450 Laraway Rd.
• JFD Station #4 - 868 N. Draper Ave.
• JFD Station #5 - 661 Mason Ave
• JFD Station #6 - 2049 Oneida St.
• JFD Station #7 - 125 Houbolt Rd.
• JFD Station #8 - 2293 Essington Rd.
• JFD Station #9 - 2300 Michas Dr.
• JFD Station #10 - 1599 John D. Paige Dr.

Residents with questions can contact Rep. Manley’s office at (815) 725-2741.

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Tags: opioids Bertino-Tarrant CDC drug disposal natalie manley heroin epidemic relief organization Joliet Fire Deterra Drug Disposal