The Michigan State Police Department will be hosting an opioid “take-back” day across the state in an effort to combat the opioid addiction epidemic, the department announced Wednesday.
The department’s 30 offices will be participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 26. Michigan residents can bring their expired, unused or unwanted prescription pills to an office any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on that day.
Delivered pills will be collected and destroyed, no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes cannot be accepted.
“This is something every Michigan resident can do to make sure unused prescription drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Even one pill makes a difference,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police.
Opioids are generally used to treat pain and can be addictive. Common opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone and codeine, according to government resources.
Addiction and abuse of opioids have grown in the previous years. More than 2,500 people died from drug overdoses in 2017 and nearly 11.5 million people were prescribed opioids in 2015. Michigan also saw 17 times more overdose deaths between 1999 to 2016, jumping from 99 deaths to 1,699 deaths.
Many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family members and friends or from the home medicine cabinet, said Michigan State Police.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held twice a year, in April and October. This past April, MSP collected 1,184 pounds of prescription drugs.
“Take a few moments to check your home and get rid of these medications,” Gasper said. “Opioid and prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses are real. Help us fight this crisis.”
Those who cannot participate in the national take-back program can also surrender their prescription drugs at any MSP post Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Michigan State Police” by Michigan State Police.
