Behavioral Health, Community

Drug Take Back Day Encourages Community to Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Spectrum Health offers drop-off sites and expert resources

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 26, 2022 – Spectrum Health Healthier Communities,  Priority Health and Families Against Narcotics Grand Rapids Chapter have teamed up once again to collect unused and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30th, at Spectrum Health Healthier Communities (Widdicomb Building), 665 Seward Ave. NW, Spectrum Health Medical Group South Pavilion, 80 68th Street SE and Priority Health, 3111 Leonard Street NE, all in Grand Rapids.

Community members are invited to stop by to dispose of expired prescriptions and other unwanted or unneeded medications. This free and anonymous public service is part of the 22nd annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

“Last year, Michigan saw 2,260 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.”

The Grand Rapids Police Department and Kent County Sheriff will oversee the collection site and ensure the drugs 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 doing so poses potential safety and health hazards.

Locations sponsored or co-sponsored by Spectrum Health are listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the drop-off site will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30th:

  • Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, Widdicomb Building, 665 Seward Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
  • Spectrum Health Medical Group South Pavilion, 80 68th Street SE, Grand Rapids
  • Priority Health Corporate Office, 3111 Leonard Street NE, Grand Rapids
  • Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital, 605 Oak Street, Big Rapids
  • Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, 300 N. Patterson Rd, Reed City
  • Zeeland Community Hospital, 8333 Felch St., Zeeland
  • Spectrum Health United Hospital, 1325 W. Washington, Greenville
  • Spectrum Health Lakeland, 3900 Hollywood Road (near entrance B), St. Joseph

Additional collection sites are listed on the DEA website.

During the last National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in October 2021, almost five thousand sites across the country collected 372 tons of medications and medical supplies for disposal.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is made possible by partnerships with the Grand Rapids Police Department, Kent County Health Department and Pine Rest.

 

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About BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our long and continuing legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Our award-winning team improves health, inspires hope and saves lives across 13 counties in West Michigan. We bring together 11 hospitals—including Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with expert care from 350+ pediatric specialists in 70+ specialties and programs—three rehabilitation and nursing centers, 120 outpatient sites and telehealth services. We are proud to work with 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, including Spectrum Health Medical Group, one of the largest and most comprehensive multispecialty physician groups in West Michigan.

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Contact:
Andrea Finnigan
Media Relations and Newsroom Web Manager
Office: 616.486.2535
Mobile: 616.293.6050
Email: andrea.finnigan@corewellhealth.org