Lt. Gov. Calley reminds Michiganders to clean out their medicine cabinets this Saturday for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

LANSING, MICH. - Expired, unused and unwanted pills can be disposed of safely, across the state of Michigan, during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday at many locations, including all Michigan State Police Posts and many local police departments in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

“Often times abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family, sometimes from what is accessible right in our homes,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “No effort to help curb the nation’s opioid crisis is too small. I encourage all Michiganders to take this opportunity to check the back of your medicine cabinet and please get rid of any unused or unwanted mediations safely.”

The MSP’s 30 posts will participate in the one-day ‘Take-Back’ effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, by serving as drop-off points. All collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will not be accepted. To find locations participating in Saturday’s Take-Back Day visit www.michigan.gov/opioids.  

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held twice a year, in April and October. During the April 2018 effort, MSP posts collected roughly 966 pounds of prescription drugs.

The state is using every available tool to combat the opioid epidemic. The collaborative efforts of state agencies amplifies Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals and enforcement of overprescribers. Efforts include:

• A new one-stop shop 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.

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

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