April 29, 2024- Substance misuse and accidental overdose deaths continue to plague Northeast Ohio and the nation. In 2023 the overdose death rate topped 112,000 in a 12 month period for the first time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
National surveys show most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.
The best place to get rid of unused or expired medications is an official disposal location. As part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 27, University Hospitals (UH) and Cleveland Clinic are partnering to host collection efforts at 29 locations throughout Northeast Ohio. This event gives the public an easy way to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, and unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.