Premier Health Promotes Safe Medication Disposal to Help Prevent Misuse and Overdose

WARREN COUNTY, OH --  As National Prescription Drug Take Back Day approaches, Premier Health is encouraging community members to take a few minutes to review their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications.

Unused prescription medications, particularly opioids, can pose serious risks when left in homes. According to the American Medical Association, more than 70% of people who use opioids for nonmedical reasons obtain them from family or friends, underscoring the importance of proper medication disposal. Premier Health has long supported efforts to reduce medication misuse by providing secure medication disposal receptacles at its hospitals throughout southwest Ohio.

“Many people don't realize that the greatest risk can come from medications that are no longer needed but remain in the home,” said Anna Squibb, MD, program director of substance use and addiction services at Premier Health and program director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “Proper disposal of unused prescription medications, especially opioids, helps prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, and diversion. Taking a few minutes to check your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference for your family and our community.”

Through a grant-funded initiative launched in 2018, Premier Health installed secure medication disposal receptacles that are available to the public year-round. The receptacles provide a convenient option for safely disposing of unused medications and are part of Premier Health’s ongoing commitment to addressing substance misuse and promoting community health.

Community members can dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications at the following Premier Health locations:

• Atrium Medical Center – Front lobby beside the gift shop
• Miami Valley Hospital – Near the Apple Street elevators on the first floor
• Miami Valley Hospital North – Main lobby near the retail pharmacy
• Miami Valley Hospital South – Near the Patient Care Unit 1 entrance in the lobby of the Joint and Spine Center
• Upper Valley Medical Center – At the foot of the main staircase in the hospital lobby

Accepted items include:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Pet medications

Items not accepted include:

• Needles and syringes
• Inhalers
• Aerosol cans
• Thermometers
• Lotions and liquids

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24 provides a safe, convenient way for people to dispose of medications and helps prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and overdose. For those unable to participate in Take Back Day events, Premier Health's medication disposal receptacles are available year-round.

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