The Michigan State Police (MSP) is again partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.
MSP's 30 posts will participate in the one-day 'Take-Back' effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, by serving as drop-off points for Michiganders to discard expired, unused and unwanted medications for destruction. No liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will be accepted. The local Metro North Post is located at 14350 W. 10 Mile Road in Oak Park (248-584-5740).
"Something as simple as removing unused medications from your home can help save lives," stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, Director of the MSP. "We are committed to decreasing prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses, which are all too common here in Michigan and across the nation."
During the one-day effort in October, MSP posts collected a total of 871 pounds of prescription drugs.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.
MSP collection sites can be found here. Additional collection sites across the state can be found by going to www.dea.gov.
Citizens who are not able to participate on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day can anonymously surrender their prescription drugs at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.
Published: Tue, Apr 25, 2017
