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9th annual medication disposal event

Posted at 10:07 AM, Oct 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-02 10:07:28-04

Unwanted, unused, or expired medications can be dropped off at the state capitol on Tuesday.

It's all part of the state's effort to stop the growing opioid epidemic. The 9th Annual Medication Disposal event is held to make sure these drugs stay off the streets and communities can be safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016 alone, more than 2300 people died of a drug overdose of which more than 1,700 were because of opioids.

People at the event will have an opportunity to learn more about what the state and the Michigan Pharmacists Association is doing to curb the opioid problem.

Acceptable Items:
•Controlled substance medications/narcotics
•Eye drops
•Inhalers
•Insulin
•Medicated ointments/lotions
•Medication samples
•Medications from individuals/households
•Over-the-counter medications
•Pet medications
•Prescription medications
•Vitamins/supplements

Items Not Accepted:
•Hazardous pharmaceuticals
•Hazardous materials
•Injectables
•Medical/infectious waste
•Medications from hospitals/health facilities
•Needles/syringes

Medications can be dropped off at the tent on the south Capitol lawn or there will be a drop-off tent located at Capitol Avenue and Michigan Avenue.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services as well as pharmacists will speak at Monday's event. The event starts at 10:30 a.m. and goes until 1:30 PM.