Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC) is now offering free, year-round disposal of medications in Eaton Rapids and Springport. This program, funded by the ERMC Auxiliary, allows community members to safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.
According to the National Safety Council, drug overdose is now the number one cause of unintentional death in the United States. Americans are now more likely to die from an opioid overdose than a car accident. Over 50 percent of people who have misused prescription opioids reported getting them from friends or relatives. Disposing unused and unwanted medications can prevent prescription drug abuse.
In the past, the preferred method for the disposal of medications was to throw them into the trash or to flush them down the toilet. However, these methods of disposal are no longer acceptable, as they could lead to contamination of drinking water and harm to the environment.
Community members are encouraged to take an inventory of the contents of their medicine cabinet and to drop off any unwanted medications. Doing so will keep medications out of our drinking water and the wrong hands. Disposal kiosks are accessible 24/7/365 in the ERMC Emergency Department Lobby at 1500 South Main Street in Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 and Monday-Tuesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wednesday-Thursday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Springport Medical Clinic at 400 E. Main Street Suite 200 in Springport, MI 49284. Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for a free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
