Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is encouraging residents to dispose of expired and unused prescription medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This event, a partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration and local agencies statewide, provides a safe way to dispose of prescription drugs and prevent pill abuse and theft. This day keeps gaining traction. This past April, Americans turned in more than 470 tons (nearly 950,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,600 of its state and local law enforcement partners.
Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events over nine years, the DEA and its partners have collected more than nine million pounds-4,900 tons-of pills. Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin) or oxycodone (Oxycontin). Let's share this critical resource with your audience.
To find the nearest collection site near you, visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
