The United States is currently experiencing an epidemic of prescription drug misuse and abuse. Opioid overdoses in Michigan have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help combat this epidemic, the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (Michigan OPEN) is partnering with hospitals, pharmacies, community organizations and police departments around the state to host medication take back events on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Research has found that about 70 percent of the opioids prescribed for surgery go unused and those medications are not disposed of. This increases the potential for these medications to be diverted back into the community or contaminate waterways. However, Michigan OPEN’s efforts with take back events have led to more than 13,000 pounds of unused medications and approximately 235,000 opioids being collected and properly disposed of.

Take back events provide a safe process for disposing of unused medications while protecting our communities, children and environment. Remove the risk from your home and bring any unused opioids to a Take Back Event in your community.

Find take back event locations throughout Michigan by visiting http://michigan-open.org/.