State Police to Partner with DEA in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Michigan State Police have announced they will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other local law enforcement agencies for National Drug Take-Back Day. The nationwide effort provides venues for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

The MSP's 29 posts will participate in the one-day 'Take-Back' effort between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Saturday, April 26th. The posts will serve as drop-off points to discard expired, unused and unwanted medications for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. However, no liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will be accepted.

Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, says "the Michigan State Police is pleased to yet again partner with the DEA to prevent pill abuse and theft by helping residents rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs."

The 'Take-Back' initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. In addition, citizens are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Additional collection sites across the state can be found by going to www.dea.gov.