Spectrum Health System
10/19/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/19/2021 09:05
Drug Take Back Events Encourage Safe Disposal of Unwanted Meds
Healthier Communities, Big Rapids Hospital, Reed City Hospital
Drug Take Back Events Encourage Safe Disposal of Unwanted Meds
Drop-off sites to be open at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals.
BIG RAPIDS & REED CITY, Mich., October 19, 2021 - Everyone is encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and take advantage of free drug take back events Saturday, October 23, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals.
This free and anonymous public service is part of the 19th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Locally, Spectrum Health, Ten16 Recovery Network and the Mecosta Osceola Substance Awareness Coalition are partnering to provide safe and convenient opportunities to dispose of these unwanted items.
The events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Reed City Hospital Multi Specialty Clinic, 300 N. Patterson Road in Reed City and at Big Rapids Hospital, 605 Oak Street in Big Rapids.
Items accepted include over the counter and prescription medication, liquids, ointments, inhalers, needles and pet medications. Full needle containers can be exchanged for empty containers while supplies last.
"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."
Naxolone (Narcan) will also be available free to community members after education about the overdose prevention medication is received. Naxolone quickly restores normal breathing to someone who may be suffering a life-threatening accidental overdose from prescription and other opioids.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency advises the public not to flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash because doing so poses potential safety and health hazards.
For more information, call 231.592.4204.
About Spectrum Health
Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children's Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation's third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.
People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.
Contact:
John Norton
Communications Specialist
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: [email protected]