Detroit Health Department serves as a collection site during DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Detroit Health Department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, and will serve as a collection site. During the event, anyone can anonymously drop off unused and expired medications that are in pill form for safe disposal at the Detroit Health Department located at 100 Mack Avenue or at any Detroit Police Department Precinct from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about keeping loved ones safe and the risks of improperly disposing medications.

"The Detroit Health Department is encouraging Detroit residents to remove unwanted and expired prescription drugs from their homes and drop off the medications at one of the collection sites, and there will be no questions asked," said Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. "Through the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, we are collaborating with the DEA, Detroit Police Department and community partners to prevent medication misuse and address unsafe methods of disposing dangerous prescription drugs."

Since National Prescription Drug Take Back Day's inception, the DEA continues to partner with local law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations throughout the country to offer a no-cost method of disposal for unneeded medications. The collection effort helps to prevent the theft of substances, reduces opioid addiction and accidental poisoning and avoids environmental contamination and water pollution caused by throwing medication in the trash or down a drain.

In addition to the Detroit Health Department and all Detroit Police Precincts, the following Detroit recreation center locations also will be partnering with the DEA as drop off sites:

• Butzel Family Center
  7737 Kercheval Avenue
  Detroit, MI 48214
  
• Heilmann Recreation Center
  19601 Brock Avenue
  Detroit, MI 48205
  
• Northwest Activities Center
  18100 Meyers Road
  Detroit, MI 48235

Click here for a list of additional collection sites. For more information regarding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit DEATakeBack.com.