CV Coalition Partners with Henry Ford Hospital to 'Take Back' Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are common in most household medicine cabinets, but unlike the Band-Aids and cough drops they accompany, they should not be tossed in the trash when it comes time to throw them out.

The Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families will host a drug take back event Sunday in conjunction with the 2011 Family Health & Safety Fair to offer local residents the opportunity to properly dispose of their unused prescription medications.

, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said his office has seen an increase in the use and selling of prescription drugs in local high schools, the latter of which can result in a criminal charge.

On an environmental note, throwing these medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can actually pose a threat to public health if they enter the water supply, which recent studies suggest they have in trace amounts.

So from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, community members can bring their expired or unused prescription medication to the front of the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, 15855 19 Mile Road.

The Clinton Township Police Department and local health officials will be on site to collect the medications and dispose of them.

The drop off will be part of the 2011 Family Health & Safety Fair at the hospital, which will include interactive displays, refreshments, prize drawings for children, games and inflatables.

Since 2007, the Macomb County Health Department has collected and incinerated almost five tons of non-controlled medications and 75 pounds of controlled medications through its ongoing hazardous waste collection program.

Unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can also be dropped off throughout the week at the health department and Sheriff’s Office.

For questions on the prescription drug take back, call the CV Coalition for Youth and Families at 586-723-2360.