University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic Host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic will partner to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25 at more than a dozen year-round collection locations across Northeast Ohio.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a twice-a-year event where communities throughout the country set up collection sites for the safe disposal of expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications. Proper disposal of unused drugs can prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose.

“Prescription drug misuse often starts close to home, with medications shared or taken from family or friends,” said Michael Carlin, Vice President of Hospital Pharmacy Operations at University Hospitals. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an easy way for all of us to do our part. By clearing out our medicine cabinets, we can help prevent addiction and save lives.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a nearly 27% decrease in predicted drug overdose deaths in 2024 compared to the year prior. Although encouraging, overdose is still a leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18 and 44.

"We are proud to continue collaborating with University Hospitals on this important issue,” said Lindsey Amerine, Pharm.D., Chief Pharmacy Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “Ensuring the public has access to safe disposal of unused drugs is an important way to reduce accidental or deliberate misuse of medication in our communities. Drug Take Back Day serves as a great reminder for individuals to check their medicine cabinets for prescriptions that should be removed from their homes.”

Since the first Take Back Day in the fall of 2010, more than 18.5 million pounds (9,285 tons) of prescription drugs have been collected by the DEA.

“Our continued partnership with Cleveland Clinic plays a key role in making it easier for people to safely get rid of medications they no longer need,” said Jeanne Lackamp, MD, Chair, Department of Psychiatry at UH Cleveland Medical Center and Director, Behavioral Health Institute at UH Health System. “Together, we can make a real difference in preventing substance misuse.”

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Collection Locations:

·      Click here for information about University Hospitals locations and hours

·      Click here for information about Cleveland Clinic locations and hours