Bronson Hosts Collection Sites for Prescription Drug Take Back Day Targeting Opioid Epidemic

On Saturday, Oct. 27, Bronson Community Health, along with local law enforcement, will take part in a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at sites in Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.

This event is an effort to prevent unused drugs from being lost, stolen or misused. Community members are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets, drawers and cupboards, and take any unneeded or outdated medications to one of the Take Back Day sites. Law enforcement officers will be on hand to make sure the medications are placed in a secured receptacle until they can be properly destroyed.

While most prescription medications will be accepted, the event is targeted primarily at collecting unneeded opioids. The United States is experiencing an opioid epidemic, with an estimated 12.5 million people age 12 and older misusing opioids (pain medications) in the past year. The Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) says 54,000 opioid pills were collected during the Take Back Day held in April 2018.

Bronson is hosting events in collaboration with Battle Creek Police Department, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, OPEN, the Van Buren County Substance Abuse Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Bronson Battle Creek Hospital

(Main lobby)
300 North Ave.
Battle Creek

Bronson Wellness Center

(Main entrance, lobby area)

950 South Bailey Ave.
South Haven

Bronson Methodist Hospital

(Main entrance, west side of building near South Campus gift shop)

601 John St.
Kalamazoo

Antwerp Township Activity Center

24821 Front Ave.
Mattawan
This event hosted by Van Buren County

Substance Abuse Task Force

The above collection sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.

ACCEPTED ITEMS
Pills, Capsules and Patches
Examples
Pain Medications

Hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin)

Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)

Tramadol (Ultram)

Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine

Sedatives/Sleep Medications:  Xanax, Valium, Ambien and Klonopin

Antidepressants, ADHD Medications

Muscle Relaxants, Pet/Veterinary Medicines

Needles, Syringes, Lancets (only accepted at Battle Creek and Kalamazoo locations)

Not accepted

Liquids

For more information about the Prescription Drug Take Back Day events at the above locations, contact Joyce Griffith at Bronson Community Health, (269) 341-8355.