Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program 2019

April 25, 2019

Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program on Mission to Reduce Opioid Epidemic

MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program (MAMDP) is hosting a medication and needle take back event on Saturday, April 27th at the Norton Shores Fire Department 1100 E. Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon, MI 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Coinciding with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take Back Day, members of MAMDP say the goal of this event is to shed light on opioid awareness and addiction, and encourage the community to help reduce the growing problem by getting rid of unused opioids, other medications and needles safely and properly.

“I’ve taken a very personal interest in the problems of drug abuse and looking at every possible way to mitigate the impact of this terrible epidemic. One of the easiest ways is to remove unneeded and unused medications from our homes, before they end up being abused. Disposing of them through the Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program not only keeps them safely away from possible abuse, but it also keeps them out of our water supply and environment. The Muskegon Medication Disposal Program is one of the leading take back programs in Michigan and I urge everyone to take full advantage of this free service.” Bob Scolnik, County Commissioner

Community residents are urged to drop off their unused or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 27th; including ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, pet medications, and needles.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to dispose of expired or unused medications and used sharps. It is important to dispose of these medications correctly to avoid unauthorized use by our youth, or other individuals that could misuse these products”, states Sheriff Michael Poulin, and a founding member of the MAMDP Initiative.

This bi-annual, free event first began in 2010, and has since collected over 35,000 pounds (over 17.5 tons) of medications, reducing the amount of opioids and other medication found in residents’ homes, our watersheds, and in the wrong hands. Biohazardous materials, household hazardous waste, and personal care items are not accepted. For more information or if you have questions about which medications are accepted or future drop-off dates, visit www.mamdp.org or call Rachel McCoy at 231-672-3201. Learn more about National Take Back Day by visiting their website.

About The Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program (MAMDP)

MAMDP, a Health Project collaborative founded in 2010, is one of the first and most successful take-back programs in Michigan, It has been recognized nationally and featured in the White House’s 2015 National Drug Control Strategy.

MAMDP is made possible through the collaborative efforts of several community organizations, including Mercy Health, Norton Shores PD, Sheriff’s Office, Muskegon PD, Spectrum Health, the Coalition for a Drug Free Muskegon County, Public Health – Muskegon County, Spectrum Health, and the Health Project. This program is supported by grants from the Lakeshore Regional Entity, Mercy Health and the in-kind support for the use of the Norton Shores Fire department facilities and to the community volunteers for participating at the day’s event.

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