Community, Kelsey Hospital, United Hospital

Event In Edmore Encourages Safe Disposal of Unwanted Meds

Drop-off site will be open August 17 at Family Food Store.

EDMORE, Mich., August 11, 2021 – Everyone is encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and take advantage of a free drug take back event August 17 in Edmore.

Community members are invited to stop by to dispose of expired prescriptions and other unwanted or unneeded medications at Family Food Store in Edmore Tuesday, August 17, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Items accepted include over the counter and prescription medication, liquids, ointments, inhalers, needles and pet medications. Full needle containers can be exchanged for empty containers while supplies last.

This free and anonymous public service is led by Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals, the Montcalm Prevention Collaborative and the Montcalm County Sheriff’s office.

“Sadly, and sometimes tragically, if people don’t properly dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs, they can find their way to others leading to bad outcomes,” said Scott Lombard, manager of community health at Spectrum Health United Lifestyles. “We ask area residents to take advantage of this free, anonymous and safe way to dispose of their unwanted medication.”

Naxolone will also be available free to community members after education about the opioid overdose prevention medication is received. Naxolone quickly restores normal breathing to someone who may be suffering a life-threatening overdose from heroin or another opioid.

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency 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.

For more information, call 231.592.4204.

About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

 

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org