Turn in unused pills, sharps on National Prescription Drug Take Back Days

‘No questions asked’ drop-off sites at Corewell Health East (formerly Beaumont Health) Oct. 28 and 29

Corewell Health East, formerly Beaumont Health, is partnering with local law enforcement to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day today, Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, at several locations. The program of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is aimed at preventing addiction and reducing drug poisoning deaths.

Staff at the take back sites will accept unused or expired prescribed and over-the-counter medications in pill form only, no questions asked. Sites prefer that the pills are removed from their containers and placed into sealable plastic bags.

Corewell Health hospitals in Dearborn and Troy will also accept medical sharps, needles and empty syringes in puncture-proof containers.

“I encourage everyone across the country to dispose of unneeded medications to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement about this year’s event. “The Take Back campaign is part of DEA’s continued efforts to combat the drug poisoning epidemic and protect the safety and health of communities across the United States.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, approximately 107,622 people died as the result of a drug poisoning last year. This means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug poisoning every five minutes. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.

Drop off sites will be set up Oct. 28 at Corewell Health hospitals in Dearborn, Taylor, Trenton, Troy and Wayne, and on Oct. 29 at Royal Oak. Drop-off hours at all sites are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-off areas vary by location, and are as follows:

Friday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital* (formerly Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn)
18101 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn 48124
Fitzgerald Pavilion entrance

Corewell Health Trenton Hospital (formerly Beaumont Hospital, Trenton)
5450 Fort St.
Trenton 48183
Drive-thru drop-off at Main entrance

Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital (formerly Beaumont Hospital, Troy) Sterling Heights Medical Park*
(across from Troy campus)
44300 Dequindre Rd.
Sterling Heights 48314
Main entrance

Corewell Health Wayne Hospital (formerly Beaumont Hospital, Wayne)
33155 Annapolis Rd.
Wayne 48184
Drive-thru drop-off at Main entrance

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital (formerly Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak)
3601 W. Thirteen Mile Rd.
Royal Oak 48073
North Tower entrance

*Medical sharps will also be accepted.