MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township Police, Delta Dental and the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) held a press conference today about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27th.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Further, disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can pose safety and health hazards. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, six million Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs.

This is an addiction and MAHP is glad that it's starting to be treated as such, instead of criminal behavior. When the drugs are in the house, the danger is there. Instead, properly dispose of these medications so they can't become a problem later.

Delta Dental recognizes that dentists are the number 1 prescriber of opioids for people ages 11 to 18, often not realizing the damage their doing. To combat this, they are promoting and reminding everyone to turn in their unused or expired medication on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The Michigan State Police's (MSP) 30 posts will participate in the 'Take-Back" effort this Saturday by serving as drop-off points. According to the MSP press release, all collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes cannot be accepted.

Meridian Township Police also have a medication drop box and say they received 50 pounds per month.