Frequently Asked Questions

Provided is a notice which describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review carefully.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices (Spanish)

Bring a completed application along with your photo id and $20 (cash, check, MasterCard or Visa credit card) to the Administration Office. More Information

Fill out the Maryland Board of Physicians Complaint Form and return it to Maryland Board of Physicians Intake Unit

Per the requirements of the Comprehensive Emergency Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), ATSDR completed a public health assessment (PHA) on the area of Fort Detrick proposed to be placed on the US EPA’s National Priority List for long-term cleanup. ATSDR’s report on the Fort Detrick Area B Groundwater evaluated estimated exposures to the maximum measured TCE and PCE concentrations found in private drinking water wells around the Area B site. ATSDR concluded that these exposures were unlikely to produce any harmful health effects, including cancer. ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment estimated the TCE and PCE exposure doses to residents of those houses by using the maximum measured concentrations of the chemicals in 1992 (when potable use of the wells ceased). Evaluation of these contaminants and estimated ingestion doses of TCE and PCE for children and adults lead to the following conclusions: a) "Harmful effects are unlikely for users of the contaminated private wells based on maximum measured concentrations of PCE and TCE (cancer and non-cancer health effects). b) Residences with contaminated wells are currently being provided with alternate water. Current exposure to VOCs at these locations is limited to incidental use of the wells for irrigation or other outside uses. These exposures are unlikely to result in any harmful health effects. The full ATSDR report can be found here: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/FtDetrickAreaBGroundwater/FortDetrickPHAFinal12-09-2009.pdf

Yes you can in certain circumstances, but before you drop Health Insurance, please talk with a caseworker here at the Health Department.

Yes you can but if someone is claiming you as a tax dependent, they must apply for you.

Click here to view the process once you have been approved.

Yes you can. A Caseworker will meet with you to complete the MCO selection and process.

Yes you can. A Caseworker will meet with you and scan your verifications into your application and compete the verification process.

The health department does not test ticks or other insects for disease. You can contact the Maryland Cooperative Extension office at 301-600-1594 to inquire about identifying what type of tick you found. Testing a tick for Lyme disease is done by private labs and costs money.

We provide free car seat checks for the public to ensure that the car seats are installed properly. Our staff are Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Call us at 301-600-3326 to request a car seat check.

For more information, please check out Safe Kids Frederick County

• Pregnancy
• Motherhood
• Newborn care
• Scheduling doctor’s visits
• How to talk to your doctor
• Nutrition & safety
• Medical care for yourself & your children
• Understanding medical assistance

• Your transportation needs
• Childbirth education
• Breastfeeding support
• Parenting support
• Counseling services
• Birth control
• Infant needs
• Quitting smoking
• Other community services

• It’s a smart thing to do.
• You will have someone to listen to your questions and concerns and give you detailed answers in order to get the information you need.

• Infants and small children
• People who have close, frequent contact (such as family members, friends, coworkers) with someone who has TB disease
• People with low income who live in crowded conditions, have poor nutrition, and have poor health care
• Homeless people
• People born in countries where a lot of people have TB
• Nursing home residents
• Prisoners
• Alcoholics and injection drug users
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and those with weakened immune systems (such as HIV or AIDS)

Parents/guardians must renew a child’s medication/treatment authorization forms at the beginning of each school year. FCPS has posted medication/treatment authorization forms at https://apps.fcps.org/forms. They are also available at each school.

To assure the safety of your child please contact the registered nurse assigned to your child’s school immediately. If you child requires an EpiPen your child’s health care provider must complete an Authorization for Management of Anaphyalaxis Form. EpiPens are administered in accordance with the Frederick County Public School policy. The registered nurse will train the health room technician and designated FCPS staff on the administration of the EpiPen.

Proof of immunizations is required to register your child for school. The immunization required for your child to attend school must be up to date prior to attending

• a temperature of more than 100 for more than 24 hours
• nausea or vomiting
• stomachache
• diarrhea
• pale or flushed face
• headache
• persistent cough
• earache
• thick discharge from the nose
• painful sore throat
• rash or infection of the skin
• red or pink eyes

Here is the list of items you need to bring.

You can use your eWIC in a variety of local stores. Check out our website for a list.

The Environmental Health Department has septic records as old as 1950. That does not ensure that we have yours. To have a sanitarian start the research complete an Information Research Request Form.

Find details on well water testing and disinfection here. 

Division of State Documents Code of Maryland (COMAR)

If you have a problem or concern about a food facility in Frederick County, call the Food Control Office at 301-600-2542.

For questions about Temporary Food Service at public events, see Temporary Special Food Service Facilities page.

Mobile Unit/Food Truck Guidelines

1. A mobile unit may operate at public events (fairs, festivals, etc.) by applying for Temporary Food Service Permits for each event. Requirements are less restrictive than annually licensed units that operate on a more regular basis. 

2. A mobile unit operating on a routine basis requires an annual Food Service License and the mobile unit must be in full compliance with Maryland’s Food Service Regulations (COMAR 10.15.03). Operating as an annually licensed mobile unit in Frederick County will also allow you to participate at public events in Frederick County without the need of additionally obtaining Temporary Food Service Permits.

To obtain annual licensure for a mobile unit

A) Have a mobile unit constructed. This option requires submitting plans to be reviewed and approved by the Frederick County Health Department Food Program prior to the start of any construction. (Plan review fee is required.) 

B) Purchase a pre-owned mobile unit that is already outfitted with necessary equipment. This option is more risky to the operator because mobile units licensed in other jurisdictions may not be automatically licensed in Frederick County. It is recommended that when shopping for pre-owned mobile units, pictures of the mobile unit (including equipment, sinks, and plumbing detail, etc.) are submitted for evaluation prior to purchase. 

All mobile units require a Base of Operations or Commissary in order to comply with COMAR 10.15.03. This is where the mobile unit will get potable water, dispose of gray water, dispose of grease from fryers (if need be), use the larger 3 compartment sink for cleaning and sanitizing equipment on the mobile unit, and where the mobile unit may have storage as needed. An additional license may be required for the “Base of Operations” if the kitchen is being used for more than clean-up, minimal storage, and/or minimal prep. 

• Facility must provide a Commissary Agreement Form indicating permission for the mobile unit operator to use the facility as its Base of Operations. 
• If facility is not located within Frederick County, a copy of the facility’s current Food License is also required.
• A menu must also be submitted for review and a HACCP plan will most likely be required.
• Additional license may be required for the “Base of Operations” if the kitchen is being used for more than clean-up, minimal storage, and/or minimal prep.
• Waste water tank must be larger than the potable water tank.
• Exterior access to fresh water tank must be lockable.
• Operable windows require screens.
• AC may be required depending on equipment and operation during summer months.
• Licensed mobile units are not permitted to have food service outside the unit – including grills and smokers.

The procedures for opening or remodeling a restaurant in Frederick County can be found on the Plan Review Submission page.

• All water used for food service activities must come from an approved source. • This includes water used for hand washing, dish or utensil washing, and food preparations. • Approved sources include: * Public (municipal) water, * Commercially purchased bottled water, * And water from a well that has been tested and certified to be free from bacteriological contamination within the twelve months prior to an event. • Certification of passing well water results must be attached to the temporary food service facility application. • Frost free hydrants, found in some outdoor recreational areas, cannot be used to obtain water used for any food service activities. • A frost free hydrant is not considered a source of potable water even when connected to a potable well since there is an area at the base of the hydrant that is not sealed and can allow for easy bacteriological contamination.

COMAR 10.15.03 are the regulations for Food Service Facilities operating in Maryland. Frederick County Health Department Food Control office enforces COMAR 10.15.03. The link to these regulations is below.

Effective March 1, 2014, state law requires “a food establishment shall display prominently in the staff area of the food establishment a poster related to food allergy awareness that includes information regarding the risk of an allergic reaction." The following link provides additional information on food allergens:

Contact Animal Control at 301-600-1544. For questions regarding post-exposure rabies vaccinations, contact your physician, FHH Emergency Department at 240-566-3500 or the Community Health Services Division of the Health Department at 301-600-1733.

What if it’s your pet that bites someone? The best thing to do is to share your name and phone number so that if the person bitten goes to have the bite checked, Animal Control can make sure your pet is healthy and vaccinated. If you don’t want to share your information, another option is to report the bite to the Health Department directly and we can match it up to the bite reports that come in.

The big question - What happens to my pet now, are they in trouble? No, they are not in “trouble” but the Health Department does need to make sure they are healthy and vaccinated for rabies. Your pet will be put on a 10 day quarantine that you can do at home. The pet can play with family members and go out in the yard, but must be on a leash or within a fenced area; public activities should be postponed. They will also need to go to the vet to make sure they are healthy and the vet will complete a form that gets turned in; if the pet’s rabies vaccine is not up to date they will need to get one.

If you have questions or don’t know what to do, give us a call 301-600-1717. 

Burn permits may be applied for online as well as in person at the Frederick County Health Department. More information regarding burn permits can be obtained by calling 301-600-1717.

Deer located along a county road will be removed by the County Highway Authority. Deer located along a state road will be removed by the State Highway Administration. Disposal of dead deer located on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

All renter concerns should be addressed with the Frederick County Code Enforcement Office at 301-600-3531.

Complaints within the city limits of Frederick are handled by the City of Frederick’s Code Enforcement Office. They can be reached at 301-600-3825. Complaints within the town limits of Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Brunswick, and Walkersville are handled by each town office.

There is no tall grass ordinance currently for Frederick County. Tall grass complaints due to safety concerns can be forwarded to the Fire Marshal's Office.

The Frederick County Health Department requires a written statement from the complainant about the problem. This can be sent via mail, email, or fax. The written statement should include your name, your address, your telephone number, the address of the property being complained about and a statement of the problem. For more information regarding trash or other nuisance complaints contact Community Services at 301-600-1717.

According to the Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) Harm Reduction is:

• A set of practical strategies that reduce the negative consequences associated with high risk behaviors, such as drug use and unprotected sex.
• Harm Reduction accepts that for better or for worse, illegal and legal drug use is a part of this world and works to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignoring or condemning the people who use drugs.
• Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies from severe abuse to total abstinence and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are clearly safer than others.
• Harm Reduction acknowledges that since needs are specific to individuals and communities, there is no universal definition or formula for implementing harm reduction.
• Harm reduction strategies meet people “where they’re at” but don’t leave them there.
• Examples of harm reduction strategies include: distribution of condoms, distribution of sterile syringes, distribution of naloxone/Narcan©, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) (Principles of Harm Reduction, 2018).

What Harm Reduction is NOT:

• Harm reduction does not mean “anything goes”.
• Harm reduction does not enable drug use or high risk behaviors.
• Harm reduction does not condone, endorse, or encourage drug use or sex work.
• Harm reduction does not exclude or dismiss abstinence-based substance use treatment models as viable options (Principles of Harm Reduction, 2018).

• ALWAYS HAVE NALOXONE/NARCAN with you, no matter what drug you're using. Fentanyl can be in any drug (cocaine, meth, pills bought on the street, etc.)
• TEST THE SUPPLY. Knowing whether fentanyl is present in the drug can help guide decisions related to use.
• NEVER USE ALONE. If someone is with you, they can call 911 and help if you overdose.
• IF YOU DO USE ALONE, ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK ON YOU. You can do this by phone, text, or in person. Ask them to check on you in 5 minutes.
• BE AWARE OF WHAT MAKES YOU MORE AT RISK OF OVERDOSING. 
• This includes if you have overdosed before, if you haven't used opioids in a while (your tolerance drops fast), if you're sick (cold, flu, etc.), and if you're using other drugs at the same time (especially alcohol, benzos, and other opioids).
• USE SLOWLY. This lets your body adjust and helps you see how the drugs affect you.
• TRY SNORTING OR SMOKING INSTEAD. Injecting is the riskiest way to use drugs. You can still overdose by snorting or smoking, especially with fentanyl. Start slow and use less at first.

Fentanyl test strips are tools that can check if drugs have fentanyl in them. These strips can help people avoid overdoses by knowing if fentanyl is present before using the drugs. Research shows that people are willing to use these strips and change their behavior if the test is positive.

The Frederick County Health Department gives out free fentanyl test strips to people who use drugs. Visit our page to learn more about our Syringe Services Program.

Yes. There are significant legal protections for Syringe Services Program (SSP) Participants, Volunteers and Staff. Under Senate Bill 97, § 24-908. Immunity from prosecution; permitted prosecutions

Approved Program Activities Provide Significant Legal Protections to Staff, Volunteer and Participants whom:

“MAY NOT BE ARRESTED, CHARGED, OR PROSECUTED FOR VIOLATING § 5–601, § 5–619, § 5–620, OR § 5–902(C) OR (D) OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE FOR POSSESSING OR DISTRIBUTING CONTROLLED PARAPHERNALIA OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA WHENEVER THE POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTROLLED PARAPHERNALIA OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE EMPLOYEE’S, VOLUNTEER’S, OR PARTICIPANT’S ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK OF A PROGRAM AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.”

Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) have been shown to:

• Reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Help people be ready to start treatment for substance use
• Reduce deaths from overdose
• Save Money
• Reduce injuries from needles

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink contains around 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of alcohol is found in:

• 5 ounces of wine (12% alc. content).
• 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alc. content).
• 12 ounces of beer (5% alc. content).
• 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alc. content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., whiskey, vodka, gin, rum).

Adults of legal drinking age should typically limit their drink intake to one standard drink per day for women or two standard drinks a day for men based on differences in body mass. Individuals taking certain medication or have certain illnesses should consult with their doctor about the impact that may have on alcohol. Individuals who are pregnant should not consume alcohol in any form.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Alcohol is a drug, and more specifically, it is a depressant, which means it slows the body's functions down. Symptoms of alcohol use can range from slurred speech, difficulty walking, excessive sweating, vomiting, increased agitation to a temporary reduction in anxiety, temporary ease of socialization, temporary reductions in pain, and a temporary sense of relaxation. The positive feelings of alcohol consumption can be powerful and often result in individuals repeatedly turning to alcohol, eventually developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and resulting in a nasty cycle of attempting to reach the initial euphoria that you once had when you first began drinking.

Individuals struggling with AUD may find themselves with more serious side effects, including:

• Blackouts
• Severe withdrawal symptoms including shakiness, restlessness, dizziness, and even seizures
• Sexual dysfunction
• Digestive issues and weight gain
• Increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and heart disease
• Difficulty maintaining employment and relationships due to addiction
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Worsening of anxiety and depression symptoms, often with risk for suicide
• Coma
• Death

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Alcohol Use Disorder comes in a variety of forms and severities. It can range from frequent, long-term abuse to sporadic binge drinking. A person with Alcohol Use Disorder may be completely functioning, often with a well-paying job and responsibilities, and thus not believe they have an issue. At the same time, another person may be in such a poor state that they are unable to care for themselves. It can happen to anyone, and it affects us all in different ways.

If you or a loved one are worried you may have Alcohol Use Disorder, you may want to consult the following questions:

In the past year have you:

• Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?
• More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
• Spent a lot of time drinking, being sick from drinking, or getting over other aftereffects?
• Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
• Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
• Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
• Given up or cut back on activities you found important, interesting, or pleasurable so you could drink?
• More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or unsafe sexual behavior)?
• Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had an alcohol-related memory blackout?
• Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
• Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria (feeling uneasy or unhappy), malaise (general sense of being unwell), feeling low, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you answered yes to 2-3 of the above questions, you may have a mild form of Alcohol Use Disorder. If you answered yes to four or five of the questions, it is possible you have a moderate form of the disease. If you answered yes to six or more of the questions, you may have a severe form of Alcohol Use Disorder. Per NIAAA, any of these symptoms may be cause for concern. The more signs, the more urgent the need for change.

Anyone and everyone can fall victim to an addiction, and you may drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why this happened to you. 

However, there are some individuals who may be more at risk than others for developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), some risk factors can include:

• Drinking at an early age. Alcohol can change the brain chemistry of both children and adults, but these chemistry changes can be more devastating in younger individuals whose brains are still developing. Research has shown that drinking before the age of 15 had a higher likelihood of reporting AUD later in life than those who did not.
• Genetics and Family History. Research has shown that addiction can go down to the genes, and if a member of your family has struggled with any form of addiction, you may be at a higher risk for addiction yourself on a genetic level. In addition, families that model addictive behavior to young children increase the risk of those children displaying addictive behaviors later on.
• Trauma and Mental Health Issues. Alcohol is an extremely common drug of choice for individuals self-medicating to deal with a trauma in their life or a mental illness with which they may struggle. A wide range of mental health conditions from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are comorbid with AUD, and it is very common for someone with AUD to have an underlying condition driving the individual towards addiction as a means to cope.

If you have any of the above risk factors, you may want to be more conscientious in how consuming drugs or engaging in addictive behaviors like gambling may impact your life and mental health. However, always keep in mind that these are simply risk factors, and that at the end of the day, they don't guarantee one way or another what path life will lead you down and what choices you will have to make. AUD can happen to anyone for any reason, and it's more important to recognize the behaviors when they happen and seek treatment rather than fixate on why specifically they are happening to you.

It won't be easy.

Detoxing off of alcohol can be dangerous if done alone. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends gathering a support group of health care professionals, family, friends, and mutual support groups to assist individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) recover safely. There will likely be setbacks, and not every day will be progress, but what's important is that you try every day. It is also important to remember that AUD is a disease.

For severe AUD recovery, the use of medication may be required to prevent serious, potentially fatal symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal.

If you are looking for potential treatment programs in your area, consider the following: 

• The NIAAA Find Your Way Treatment Locator
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Resources for Teens and College Students
• The FindTreatment.gov website
• 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is SAMHSA’s National Helpline, a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7.
• Frederick County's Adult Recovery Services (CORE) resource page
• Frederick County's Youth Support Services resource page

To speak with someone at Frederick County who may be able to assist you in finding programs in your area, contact us at 301-600-1755.

According to the FDA, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound found naturally within the leaves of the tobacco plant. All tobacco products contain, in some form, a type of nicotine and therefore are addictive. Additionally, tobacco products typically contain a number of other chemicals and dangerous substances that can have dangerous consequences for your health.

Common nicotine-containing products include:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars/Cigarillos
• Smokeless Tobacco (Dip, Snug, Spit, etc.)
• Hookah
• E-Cigarettes and Vapes

All forms of nicotine-containing products are addictive.

Tobacco is highly addictive thanks to nicotine, but it can also be extremely dangerous as a result of the chemicals and substances used to make up a tobacco product. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, other complications from abuse of tobacco may include:

• Lung cancer and lung disease
• Oral cancers and dental disease
• An overall increase in cancers across the body
• Higher heart disease, heart attack, and stroke risk
• Diabetes
• Infertility and sexual dysfunction
• Weakened immune system
• Secondhand smoke symptoms to non-smoking family members
• Odor

Research suggests that the answer is yes.

According to the FDA, e-cigarettes and vapes that meet the FDA's public health standard present less health risks and chemical exposure than a traditional cigarette, smokeless tobacco, or a cigar. Switching from these forms of tobacco to an e-cigarette may be an easier way to transition off of tobacco use entirely than when trying to quit cold turkey.

However, it is important to note that e-cigarettes still elevate a user's risk of disease and death from nicotine use, just as cigarettes do; e-cigarettes are simply slightly less risky. Prolonged use of e-cigarettes and vaping can result in the same host of negative diseases, cancers, and symptoms as cigarettes, and the ultimate goal should be cessation of nicotine product usage.

Quitting nicotine and tobacco products can be achieved with the right support system and network of resources in your corner. 

Resources we recommend include:

• Maryland's 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) toll-free number in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
• Frederick County's Tobacco Cessation Program registration form
• Frederick County's Stop Smoking for Life program, available via contacting PJ Miller at 301-712-7277, at his email, or by registering using the link above. 
• CDC's Resources for quitting tobacco website
• Smokefree.gov
• 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is SAMHSA’s National Helpline, a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7.
• AsianSmokersQuitline.org for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese speakers in the U.S.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids are a class of drug known primarily for their effectiveness in the treatment of pain. Drugs containing opioids that you are likely familiar with can include morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Many of these medications provide real medical benefits to people in pain all over the world, but there's just one problem: opioids are, by their very nature, highly addictive.

Medications containing an opioid may be prescribed to you by your doctor after major surgery, after receiving a serious wound, or to provide relief for particularly painful diseases. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when prescribed these medications and to take steps to dispose of them properly when they are no longer needed. If you do not feel comfortable taking an opioid-containing medication, you can tell your doctor your concerns, and they will provide you with counseling to reach the best pain management option for you.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids are extremely addictive, and misuse of them is likely to lead to a dependence and severe substance abuse disorder. Opioids work by targeting the brain's reward system and flooding it with dopamine--a brain chemical that tells your body to feel pleasure and happiness. This overstimulation provides pain relief and a sense of euphoria, but those same effects are what make opioids so addictive. Anything that provides suitable pleasure can become highly addictive.

Beyond addiction, there are a number of harmful side effects to abusing opioids, including:

• Death (i.e. Overdosing)
• Sleep problems and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Digestive issues
• Weakening of the immune system
• Increased sensitivity to pain in long-term users
• Increased risk of diseases from cross-contaminated needles (HIV, Hepatitis C, etc.)

There are three simple steps you can follow to protect yourself and your loved ones from mishandling opioids or any potentially dangerous medication.

Step 1: Monitor

• When you are prescribed opioids, note how many pills are in each prescription bottle/pill packet
• As pills are taken, count to ensure there are no missing pills
• Keep track of any refills, particularly any you may not have ordered
• Follow dosage instructions to the letter; if you are uncertain about your dosage instructions, speak with your doctor before taking any medicine.

Step 2: Secure

• Keep any high-risk medication such as opioids in a secure, locked location in the same way you would any other valuables
• Educate any members of the household about the dangers of these medications, particularly children and teens

Step 3: Dispose

• If you have any expired or unused medication left, it is critical that you dispose of medications properly 
• Unless otherwise stated on the packaging, do not flush medications down the drain or toilet unless you have no other choice
• Participate in drug disposal events within your community, like local Drug Take Back Days, using medicine disposal packets made available by local pharmacies, or through medication drop-off box locations.

First, take a deep breath. It won't be easy, but you can recover from opioid abuse and get your life back.

Some resources available to you in starting your recovery can include:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Resources for Teens and College Students
• The FindTreatment.gov website
• 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is SAMHSA’s National Helpline, a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7.
• CDC Overdose Prevention information page
• Frederick County's Adult Recovery Services (CORE) resource page
• Frederick County's Youth Support Services resource page

Medicines (or medications) are chemicals or compounds used to stop or prevent an illness, to ease the symptoms of an illness, or to diagnose an illness. They come from a variety of sources, like plants or even an organism like a fungus.

Medicines come in many different forms, including:

• Pills – like aspirin; meant to be swallowed whole
• Liquids – like cough syrup; meant to be swallowed
• Creams, gels, or ointments – meant to be rubbed on the skin
• Inhalers – in mist form; to be taken through the nose or mouth
• Patches – placed on and absorbed through the skin
• Tablets – placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream
• Injections – “shots” that are taken in through a vein or muscle

They can be provided in two ways:

• By a prescription (known as a prescription drug or prescription medicine) written by a doctor and used to treat an illness or other health condition
• Purchased at a pharmacy or a store (like a grocery store or convenience store) directly off the shelf (commonly called over-the-counter medicines)

These are used in the wrong way (also called “misuse”) through:

• Ways not prescribed by a doctor
• Using someone else’s prescription
• Cutting or crushing pills
• Taking too many or taking it too often
• Usage that changes how you feel or to get “high”

Every medicine has some risk of harmful effects. When a doctor prescribes medicine, it is prescribed for a particular person and is based on many factors:

• The person’s height, weight, gender, known allergies, other medications being taken, and current health condition
• The form of the medicine, such as liquids or pills, and the strength of the medicine
• The side effects the medicine may cause

Only take medicines given to you by your doctor or parent and always follow the directions very carefully. Never take more than instructed. Don’t assume that “because its medicine, it’s safe to use.” Stay In The Know about the dangers of medicine misuse!