Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals are hosting a free and anonymous service for people to dispose of unwanted drugs in their medicine cabinets.
The event is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.
People are encouraged to bring over the counter and prescription medications to Reed City Hospital Multi Specialty Clinic on 300 N. Patterson Road in Reed City or Big Rapids Hospital at 605 Oak Street in Big Rapids. Inhalers, ointments, needles, and pet medications are also being accepted. Full needle containers can be exchanged for empty ones while supplies last.
The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the 19th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
“Last year, Michigan saw 2,684 opioid deaths and many can be linked to prescription medications,” said Dr. Colleen Lane, Medical Director of Addiction Medicine, Spectrum Health. “By bringing unused medications to drop off sites in your area, you are playing a critical role in keeping your community safe.”
The D.E.A advises the public not to flush unwanted medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash as this poses potential safety and health hazards.
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