Full Notification

Medication Disposal Program Holds Event in Muskegon

Free Unused Medication Disposal Drop-Off Event
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Muskegon Fire Department – 770 Terrace St.
What: Unused or expired, over-the-counter or prescription medications


Muskegon, Michigan - On Saturday, October 28, the Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program (MAMDP) will host an unused medication collection event at the Muskegon Fire Department located on Terrace St. This event also coincides with the DEA National Take Back Day.

Since the events first began in 2010, the program collected over 29,000 pounds (14 Tons) of medications, reducing the amount of unused and expired medications in residents' homes and our watersheds. This free program is a safe and effective way to dispose of unused drugs in homes. MAMDP accepts both over-the-counter and ‘controlled’ or narcotic medications, and uncontrolled medications.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to dispose of expired or unused medications and used sharps. It is important to dispose of these medications correctly to avoid unauthorized use by youth, or other individuals that could misuse these products", states Joseph Graftema, In-Patient Pharmacy Manager for Mercy Health Muskegon.

The October 28th event also taps into the National Take Back Day sponsored by the DEA and other law enforcement agencies in an effort to collect unused controlled substances. Community residents may drop off their unused or expired medications for proper disposal. When dropping off medications, residents should be sure to mark out patient information while leaving the medication information visible.

"We are pleased to be coordinating this with the National Take Back Day", said Muskegon County Sheriff Michael Poulin, and founding member of the Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Project. "The collaboration with the DEA, and multiple police and fire departments including the Muskegon Public Safety has been extraordinary in Muskegon County" The Sheriff's Department also collects from permanent locations from all the local enforcement agencies which contributes significantly to the total amount collected.

The Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program (MAMDP), a Health Project collaborative, was recently featured in the White House's 2015 National Drug Control Strategy report as a best practice community benefit program. MAMDP is made possible through the collaborative efforts of several community organizations including Affinia Lakeshore Health Network, Mercy Health, Norton Shores Police Department, Muskegon Police Department, the Coalition for a Drug Free Muskegon County, Public Health – Muskegon County, and the Health Project. This program is supported by grants from the Lakeshore Regional Entity, Mercy Health and the in kind support for the use of the facilities and the volunteers for the day’s event.

Accepted items include: Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, pet medications and sharps.

Items not accepted include: Biohazardous materials, household hazardous waste, and personal care items.

National Takeback Day : http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

For more information about MAMDP, which medications are accepted, or future medication drop off dates, visit www.mamdp.com or call Rachel McCoy at 231-672-3201.