WHO: Michigan Pharmacists Association
WHAT: Ninth Annual Medication Disposal Event at the Capitol
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Please note: the press conference portion of the disposal event has been cancelled
WHERE: Michigan State Capitol, south lawn, Lansing
WHY: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016 alone, 2,347 individuals died of a drug overdose, of which 1,762 were attributed to opioids. Throughout the U.S. in 2017, enough opioid prescriptions were dispensed for nearly half the population to have one. Many people obtain these opioid medications from family members, friends or out of household medicine cabinets and are not fully aware of proper medication disposal practices. Michigan Pharmacists Association’s (MPA) medication disposal event provides an opportunity for the general public to learn about appropriate disposal of medications. This event also provides an opportunity for the public to properly dispose of any unwanted, unused or expired medications, including narcotics and controlled substances. Medications can be dropped off in the disposal tent on the south lawn, or curbside drop-off will be available at S. Capitol Ave. between Michigan Ave. and Allegan St. between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
At the 2017 medication disposal event, MPA, in cooperation with the city of Wyoming, collected nearly 1,600 pounds of unused and expired medications. Of those 1,600 pounds, over 20 were of controlled substances. Since MPA began the medication disposal event eight years ago, a total of 2.7 tons of pharmaceuticals have been collected and properly disposed of by the city of Wyoming, a total value of more than $8.75 million.
The press conference originally planned for the mediation disposal event has since been cancelled. Media are still welcome to come and cover the disposal event, and MPA representatives will be on-hand for comments or questions. For more information, visit www.MichiganPharmacists.org/MedicationDisposal[michiganpharmacists.org].
Michigan Pharmacists Association strives to serve members by providing support, advocacy and resources that ultimately improve patient care, safety, health and the practice of pharmacy. For more information, visit www.MichiganPharmacists.org [michiganpharmacists.org].
Source: Press Release
