By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
 
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Published April 23, 2019

11:00 a.m. EST

Those with prescription medication they no longer need can safely dispose of it this Saturday.

During National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Michigan State Police is asking residents to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted pills.

MSP’s 30 posts will participate in the one-day effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 by serving as drop-off points.

All collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked, according to MSP.

Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes cannot be accepted.

“Taking a few minutes to go through your home and discard these medications is something small that can have a huge impact,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “The devastation caused by opioid and prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses is real. We urge you to do all you can to help us fight this crisis.”

MSP pill collection sites can be found here.

Additional collection sites across the state can be found by going to dea.gov.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held twice a year in April and October.

During the October 2018 effort, MSP posts collected nearly 950 pounds of prescription drugs.

The State of Michigan says it is using every available tool to combat the opioid epidemic.

According to MSP, the collaborative efforts of state agencies amplifies Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals and enforcement of over-prescribers.

These efforts include:

• A one-stop website (Michigan.gov/opioids) with all helpful information and resources on the epidemic.
• Providing online resources for patients, health professionals and communities about prevention and treatment of opioid abuse.
• The Michigan Automated Prescription System provides real-time prescription data and resources to better assess a patient’s risk for substance use disorder.
• Assistance with proper drug disposal of unwanted medications.
• Michigan State Police posts serving as drug-take back sites and providing the Angel Program for individuals struggling with addiction.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Further, disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can pose safety and health hazards.

Anyone who is unable 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.

For more information about opioids and the additional steps residents can take to protect themselves and loved ones, visit michigan.gov/opioids.