Spectrum Health Encourages Community to Safely Dispose of Medications

Over-the-counter, Prescriptions and Needles Accepted

July 10, 2017 – Big Rapids & Reed City, MI: Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals continue their partnership with Ten16 Recovery Network to provide opportunities for residents in Mecosta and Osceola counties to safely dispose of unwanted drugs.

Those who use needles to manage their medication or have leftover prescriptions are encouraged to bring them to the listed sites during the specified drop-off times. Proper disposal is important for several reasons.

“Prescription drugs are Mecosta County’s second leading type of abused drug. By properly disposing of medications and needles we can help prevent them from getting into the hands of those who may want to abuse them,” said Kim Livingston of Ten16 Recovery Network. “Most heroin addicts tell us they started with abusing stolen prescription drugs they get from family and friends without them knowing.”

“Proper disposal is better for the environment,” Livingston adds. “By disposing of drugs and needles safely, they are destroyed in a self-contained incinerator. Throwing them in the trash or toilet could allow the drugs to dissolve into our drinking water through landfills and sewer systems. Most waste filtration plants are not designed to separate pharmaceuticals and drugs may pass on through into our water.”

Within the past year, the program has served 338 people, collecting 556.2 pounds of medication and 402 pounds of needles.

Unwanted medications will be accepted including:

Over-the-counter
Prescription
Liquids
Inhaler
Ointments
Pet medications

All locations will also accept needles.

Drop-off sites are scheduled at the following times:

Tuesday, July 25	3 p.m. to 6 p.m.	Reed City Multispecialty Clinic & Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic 300 N. Patterson, Reed City, MI
Thursday, July 27	3 p.m. to 6 p.m.	Big Rapids Hospital Main Lobby 605 Oak St. Big Rapids, MI
Tuesday, August 29	2 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Evart Family Practice 5991 95th Ave, Evart, MI
Wednesday, August 30	2 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Tustin Family Practice 111 E Church St, Tustin, MI
Thursday, August 31	2 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Canadian Lakes Family Practice 8354 100th Ave, Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

Medications should be in their original container and all identifying personal information on prescription labels should be blocked out. Individuals can stop by at any time during the three-hour window and dispose of unwanted items. For more information, call 231.592.4493.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Patricia Ezdebski
Marketing and Public Relations
Office: 231.845.2350
Mobile: 231.301.4864
Email: patricia.ezdebski@corewellhealth.org

Danielle Wells
Media Relations Contact
Email: danielle.wells@spectrumhealth.org