National Drug Take Back Day

Working with seniors every day as we do, we know better than most the numerous unused pills that exist in every senior’s medication cabinet. Everyone is encouraged to stop by to dispose of expired prescriptions and unwanted or unneeded medications on Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 27.

The public event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free and anonymous public service is part of the 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administrations. 

The Grand Rapids Police Department will oversee the drug collection and ensure the drugs collected are disposed of in an appropriate manner. 

The DEA advises the public not to flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash because those methods of disposal could cause potential safety and health hazards. 

As part of the national event, Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, Priority Health, Families Against Narcotics Grands Rapids Chapter and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will be collecting unwanted or unused prescription drugs on Saturday at Healthier Communities (Widdicomb Building), 665 Seward Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. 

The public can swing back at the Grand Rapids-area locations listed below to drop off unwanted medications:

  • Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, 665 Seward Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

  • Ludington Hospital, 1 N. Atkinson Drive, Ludington

  • Muskegon County Sheriff's Office and Muskegon City Fire Department, 770 Terrace St., Muskegon (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

  • Zeeland Community Hospital, 8333 Felch St., Zeeland  (4-6 p.m. October 26)

  • United & Kelsey Hospitals/Montcalm County, Endeavor Center, 201 W. Main St., Edmore

  • Grand Rapids Police Department

  • Allegan County Sheriff's Office

  • Michigan State Police (Wayland, Pleasant, Rockford, Lakeview, Paw Paw Post)

  • Kentwood Police Department 

  • Rockford Department of Public Safety 

  • Kent County Sheriff's Department, Metro Health Park East Pharmacy 

  • Zeeland Police Department

  • Holland Department of Public Safety

  • Lowell Police Department 

  • Wyoming Police Department and Metro Health Hospital 

  • East Grand Rapids Public Safety

  • Gun Lake Tribe Public Safety Department

  • Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, Hometown Pharmacy - Newaygo City Police

  • Grand Fire Department

  • Fremont Fire Department

  • White Cloud Family Healthcare

  • Barry County Sheriff's Office

  • Hastings City Police Department

  • Village of Lake Odessa

  • Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, Antwerp Township Activity Center

  • Grand Ledge Police Department 

  • Shoreline Wellness & Rehab Center

  • Albion Department of Public Safety, Family Fare Supermarket

  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department 

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