Hi Diane. That would be a question best suited for the county’s health authority, as some counties that do not offer the service year-round may have disposal events. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers a list that may help you find a location that best suits you: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4871_29888_48562_69044_69051---,00.html

Blues Perspectives

Where in Lapeer Co. MI can I take unused scripts?

Diane

Hi Elaine, great question! There is a Meijer store on Tittabawassee road that is able to take your old and unused medications all year long. You can find more information on the Meijer drug take back option here: https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/2019/04/19/meijer-offers-secure-drug-take-back-option-at-all-stores/

Why is there no drop off site in Saginaw - City or Twp??

Elaine Kinney

I agree in principle. But, I am concerned with all the drugs (even insulin) that I am forced to waste at work because it is too difficult with current laws to get it to people who need it. If anyone reading this knows how I can start changing this, please post.

Mary Ellen

Disposing of old prescriptions and unused medications is an important step to minimize potential abuse. However, flushing them down the drain or the toilet is not the way to go. 

Since medicine doesn’t lose potency just because it’s expired, flushing it away doesn’t mean it’s gone. Research has linked water contamination via prescription disposal with abnormalities in aquatic species like fish. When medicines are flushed or thrown in the garbage, they also can get into local waters. 

Aside from environmental reasons, removing prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet also helps keep them out of the hands of your loved ones.

2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

, 8.9 million Americans age 12 and older misused opioids like heroin or prescription pain relievers in 2023. Among those people, 8.8 million people misused prescription pain relievers compared with 660,000 people who used heroin. Many people are getting their pills through friends or relatives, often by raiding the family medicine cabinet. 

Aside from alcohol, marijuana and tobacco cigarettes, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are the 

 substances by Americans 14 and older. Studies have shown that 

 who inject heroin reported abusing prescription opioids before starting to use heroin. 

To counteract drug misuse, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency created National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in 2010. The idea: Offer a safe and anonymous way for people to get rid of expired or unwanted medications. The program has led to the collection of millions of pounds of prescription drugs nationally since its start. 

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. All you need to do is take your unused or expired prescriptions to one of the 

As the state’s largest health insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are committed to improving the value and quality of life in communities across Michigan. As a part of this commitment, BCBSM and BCN have supported the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day since 2011. 

Tips for Prescription Safety, Storage and Disposal

Dental Prescriptions and the Dangers of Teen Drug Abuse

Disposing of old prescriptions and unused medications is an important step to minimize potential abuse. Here's what you need to know ahead of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Dispose of Unused Medications on Upcoming Drug Take Back Day

MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Dispose of Unused Medications on Upcoming Drug Take Back Day

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