Residents across southwest Michigan are being encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24.
The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, provides an opportunity for people to remove potentially dangerous medications from their homes.
Collection sites will accept medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Michigan Congressman Tim Walberg, who represents the state’s 5th Congressional District, is encouraging residents to participate as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and addiction.
Walberg said unused medications frequently remain in household medicine cabinets, where they can be stolen, misused or illegally distributed.
He emphasized that proper disposal is an important step toward reducing access to potentially harmful prescription drugs and protecting families.
Several collection locations will be available in St. Joseph County, Michigan, including:
– Constantine Police Department: 115 White Pigeon St., Constantine
– Sturgis Police Department: 122 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis
– Three Rivers Police Department: 333 W. Michigan Ave., Three Rivers
Walberg has supported several federal initiatives addressing substance abuse and opioid addiction, including the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act and subsequent legislation extending programs aimed at prevention and treatment.
He also supported the HALT Fentanyl Act, which established permanent federal controls over certain fentanyl-related substances.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is designed to reduce the availability of unused medications while raising awareness about the risks associated with improper storage and disposal.
Residents seeking additional collection locations or information about the event can visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day website.
