University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic to 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 April 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at more than a dozen locations across Northeast Ohio.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is held twice each year, bringing communities nationwide together to offer secure drop‑off locations for expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications and other drugs. Proper medication disposal helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose.

“Unused prescription medications in our homes can become a gateway to misuse, often among family members or friends,” said Michael Carlin, Pharm.D., MBA, Vice President of Hospital Pharmacy Operations at University Hospitals. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day makes it easy for everyone to act. Safely disposing of unused medications can play a meaningful role in preventing addiction and saving lives.”

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

“Drug Take Back Day is an important reminder for individuals to take action by reviewing their medicine cabinets and safely disposing of unused medications,” said Lindsey Amerine, Pharm.D., Chief Pharmacy Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “We’re proud to partner with University Hospitals, and to make this service accessible in order to help reduce the risk of medication misuse in our community.”

Since the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the fall of 2010, more than 20.3 million pounds (10,196 tons) of prescription drugs have been collected by the DEA.

“Through our continued partnership with Cleveland Clinic, we’re making it simpler and safer for individuals to get rid of unused medications,” said Jeanne Lackamp, MD, Chair, Department of Psychiatry at UH Cleveland Medical Center and Director, Behavioral Health Institute at University Hospitals. “Together, we have an opportunity to make a real impact in preventing substance misuse.”

Select University Hospitals locations including UH Ahuja, UH Lake West, UH Portage, and UH TriPoint medical centers will provide no-cost health screenings during this event. All participating UH locations will offer free Narcan kits and fentanyl test strips.

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