Next Drug Take Back Day scheduled for April 24

Remind your patients that next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These twice‑yearly events, coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, are a key tool in our efforts to battle the opioid epidemic.

They provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. At the most recent Drug Take Back Day in October, about 985,392 pounds of drugs were collected nationwide.

As in previous years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan supports Drug Take Back Day in various ways. For example, we post blogs on MI Blues Perspectives and offer resources to help people responsibly dispose of unused or expired drugs on our Opioids 101 site.

To find a drug disposal facility near you that’s participating in Drug Take Back Day, check out the DEA’s search tool** or see Michigan OPEN’s Opioid Disposal Map.**

Keep in mind that people who miss the Take Back events don’t need to wait until the next event to safely dispose of unused drugs. For tips on how to safely dispose of unused drugs year‑round, see the May 2018 Record article.

As a reminder, Meijer has a Consumer Drug Take‑Back Program** in all Midwest stores. And people can dispose of unused prescription drugs at select Walgreens locations across the state. Read more about Blue Cross’ partnership with Walgreens by clicking here.

For more information on disposing of prescription drugs, visit the DEA Diversion Control Division website** or Michigan OPEN’s Opioid Disposal Information and Resources page.**

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.