Kentwood Police Department to Host Drug Take Back Day on April 22, Community Encouraged to Participate

The Kentwood Police Department is inviting community members to participate in Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22.

Residents can drop off any unused, unwanted or expired prescription pills and patches 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Liquids, needles and sharp objects cannot be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

The event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative, which seeks to offer a safe, convenient way for community members to dispose of prescription drugs and provides education about medication abuse.

“Drug Take Back Day gives the community an opportunity to work together to prevent medication abuse and save lives,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “When medication is properly disposed, it helps protect the environment and prevent identity theft, accidental poisonings, drug addiction and overdose deaths. We encourage community members to gather unneeded medications from their home and join us April 22 as we work together to keep our community safe.”

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be safely disposed of year-round in the Kentwood Police Department’s lobby 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit kentwood.us/DrugTakeBack to learn more about Kentwood’s year-round Drug Take Back program.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the United States partner with the DEA to host a Drug Take Back Day every April and October as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths. The events give residents an opportunity to dispose of unneeded medications safely and securely to help address this public safety and public health issue. Studies have shown most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.

To learn more about the event, visit kentwood.us/DrugTakeBack.