CLEVELAND — University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic are partnering on Saturday, April 22, for National Perscription Drug Take-Back Day by hosting collections across Northeast Ohio.
The public will have access to 34 locations across Northeast Ohio where they can get rid of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
“When unused medicines sit for a long time at home, they’re more likely to be abused,” said Michael Carlin, Senior Director of Pharmacy, Business Operations and Logistical Management at UH. “Substance misuse and overdose deaths plague our Northeast Ohio communities. Partnering for Drug Take-Back Day is just one example of how the collaborative partnership formed by University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic can move our region toward addressing the opioid epidemic and reduce unintentional drug overdose deaths.”
Where can I bring my unwanted prescriptions/drugs?
What items can I bring?
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Liquid medication in bottles (less than 4 ounces) – package bottles in a Ziploc® bag
What items are not being accepted?
- Illegal or “street” drugs
- Needles, syringes or sharps containers
- Medical devices and batteries
- Aerosol cans and inhalers
- Mercury-containing devices
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Liquid antineoplastic (chemo) agents
“We offer drug disposal kiosks year-round, but drug take-back days are important reminders for everyone to check their cabinets for unused or expired medications,” said Samuel Calabrese, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “We know that unused medications have the potential for abuse, and this is a simple way to help curb misuse. The opioid epidemic continues to take a serious toll on our communities, and we are pleased to continue to work with University Hospitals on ways to combat this problem.”
Additionally, UH Ahuja, Geauga, Lake West and TriPoint medical centers are offering no-cost glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings during this event.
Project DAWN, which provides free Narcan kits and opioid education, will also be present at all UH locations.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on April 18, 2023.
