The East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department invites community members of all ages to attend its open house and prescription drug takeback event on Saturday, Oct. 22.
From 10 a.m. to noon, community members are invited to the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department at 770 Lakeside Drive SE for donuts, refreshments and police and fire giveaways. Riding for Ryan – a local nonprofit that promotes bicycle safety of young riders through visibility and awareness – will also be on-site to pass out bicycle safety flags to kids in partnership with the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department.
This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to meet Public Safety staff and learn how we keep our community safe,” East Grand Rapids Public Safety Chief Mark Herald said. “A big thank you to Riding for Ryan for participating this year and promoting bicycle safety. These community events are vital to maintaining positive relationships with those we serve.”
In addition to the open house, community members may to drop off unused and expired prescription medications in the department lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The department, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is permitted to collect a wide variety of prescription medications, including opioids. Other drop-off locations restrict the types of medications they can collect and dispose.
“By properly disposing of prescription medications, residents are helping to keep our community safe,” Herald said. “Our drug takeback program helps minimize medication misuse and these medications entering our environment. The drop box in the Public Safety lobby is anonymous and convenient.”
The drop box is available for prescription medication disposal year-round 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department also hosts a Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the spring. Last year, East Grand Rapids was one of 238 collection sites in Michigan and helped contribute to 22,833 total pounds of medications collected in the state.
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