GVSU student launches Muskegon County med collection

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Unused perscription drugs can pose problems for communities when they are disposed of improperly or misused by people. To combat that problem, Grand Valley State University student Carrie Uthe worked with community partners to create the first-ever prescription drug take-back program in Muskegon County.

Uthe is a senior in Grand Valley's Liberal Studies program who is pursuing an emphasis in business and health care administration. Her senior thesis focused on the effect that prescription drugs have on our water systems, and that work led to the creation of the program. She set the program up in collaboration with Lakeshore Health Network, Mercy Health Partners, Muskegon Community Health Project and Musekgon County Sheriff's Office. 

"It is important that the residents of Muskegon County have a safer and cleaner way to dispose of unused and expired medications, as  opposed to flushing them, putting them down the drain or in the landfill Uthe said. "This type of program not only effects the environment, but it also effects patient safety and drug abuse diversion."

The medications are separated. Controlled substances are turned over to law enforcement agencies, who incinerate the medications along with evidence, according to Drug Enforcement Agency regulations. The other medications are turned over to a certified waste hauler, who also incinerates the materials.

The program plans six one-day collections in 2010. The first collection is set for Saturday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Norton Shores Fire Station, 1100 E. Pontaluna Rd. Participants are asked to mark out patient information prior to drop off. To learn more, visit www.mamdp.com or call Carrie Uthe at (231) 672-3882 or Laura Fitzpatrick at 231-672-3201.