Dispose Unused Medications and Prescription (DUMP) Opioids Act Take Back Event

VA Police will be posted in the front lobby of the medical center to direct any individuals (not limited to Veterans) who may want to dispose of unwanted medications including controlled substance prescription medications, expired over-the-counter medications, etc. Items not appropriate for the disposal receptacles include medical sharps/needles, other medical wastes and illegal substances.

“The Medication Take-Back Day event gives anyone from the public an opportunity to dispose of unneeded prescription medications, which if left in the home could fall into the hands of a child, other family member, or friend who wasn’t prescribed those medications,” stated Tim Fink, Chief of Police. “These medications may be ingested, given away or sold on the street, increasing the possibility of poisoning or overdose, or fueling someone’s addiction.  Participation in this event is one way of helping our society overcome addiction to opioids or other controlled substances.”

Signed into law by the President, on July 29, 2021, the DUMP Opioids Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish designated periods during which any individual (not limited to Veterans) may dispose of controlled substance prescription medications at covered VA facilities.

VA is hosting its designated Medication Take Back Days to coincide with the bi-annual U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Take Back Days, which occur twice annually on a Saturday during the months of April and October. VA is committed to supporting the safe disposal of unused controlled substance prescription medications and will ensure there are no disruptions to patient care or risks to the safety or privacy of our Veterans and our staff. 

The Aleda E. Lutz VAMC in Saginaw, Michigan operates an 81-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation Community Living Center. It provides care to over 40,126 Veterans in a 35-county geographic area, from mid-Michigan to the Mackinac Bridge. Veterans can also receive care at one of our nine VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located throughout Michigan. More information about this VA can be found at https://www.va.gov/saginaw-health-care/.

Tara Scheuer, Public Affairs Officer

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