Drug Take Back Day scheduled across the state

LANSING — On Saturday, October 22, the Michigan State Police (MSP) will partner 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, October 22, by serving as drop-off points for Michiganders to properly discard expired, unused and unwanted medications for destruction. No liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will be accepted.

“Overdoses, prescription drug abuse and accidental poisonings are very real problems in Michigan,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Initiatives like this are essential to the safety and health of our residents. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.”

During the one-day effort in April, MSP posts collected a total of 1,189 pounds of prescription drugs.

Unused medicines in homes often lend themselves to misuse and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and environmental hazards.

Persons 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. MSP collection sites can be found here.