30 MSP Posts To Serve As Drop Off Sites For Drug Take-Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held twice a year, in April and October. During the April 2019 effort, Michigan State Police posts collected 1,184 pounds of prescription drugs.

Michigan State Police posts will once again serve as drop off sites to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted pills during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, October 26, 2019.

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 environmental and health hazards.

MSP collection sites can be found here.

Prescription drug misuse is a serious problem in Michigan. Drug overdose deaths are on the rise across the state. Two types of prescription drugs are the leading cause of misuse - painkillers (opioids) and tranquilizers (benzodiazepines). Opioids include both illegal drugs, such as heroin, and prescription pain medicine. Common opioids used to treat pain include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and codeine. Synthetic opioids are contributing to the crisis, too. Synthetic opioids that are appearing across Michigan include fentanyl and carfentanil. These drugs are far more powerful and deadly than other opioids and are frequently mixed with heroin, often times without the user knowing.

“This is something every Michigan resident can do to make sure unused prescription drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Even one pill makes a difference,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “Take a few moments to check your home and get rid of these medications. Opioid and prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses are real. Help us fight this crisis.”

MSP’s 30 posts will participate in the one-day ‘Take-Back’ effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, by serving as drop-off points. All collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes cannot be accepted.

For more information about opioids and the additional steps that can be taken to protect yourself and loved ones, visit michigan.gov/opioids.