Mercy Health participates in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Norwalk Reflector, Ohio
·2 min read

Oct. 27—TOLEDO — Mercy Health is participating in the annual Drug Take Back Initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, which offers the community an opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired medication.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. While it is a nationwide initiative, the day is made possible locally through the partnership of area police, municipal and health care organizations.

In 2021, the Mercy Health boxes collected more than 1,910 pounds of medications. Since the beginning of 2022, the boxes have collected 1,592 pounds of unused and unwanted medications.

Mercy Health offers eight permanent drop box locations throughout Northwest Ohio including four in Toledo, as well as at its facilities in Oregon, Tiffin, Willard and Defiance. Tips on what to consider when dropping off medications include:

—Accepted medications include vitamins, pills and pet medications. We cannot accept needles, inhalers, liquids, lotions, aerosols, ointments and creams.

—Items left in the receptacles are kept secure and confidential. While some prefer to remove the label, it is not required.

—Never flush your unwanted or expired medications, as it is harmful to the environment. Medication take-back programs provide a disposal option that is safe and environmentally friendly.

—While many use this service for their own medications, it's also helpful for families and caregivers who need a safe place to dispose of medications for loved ones.

Mercy Health permanent drop box locations include:

Mercy Health — St. Vincent Medical Center

2213 Cherry St., Toledo, OH 43608

Drop-off hours: 24/7 (always open)

Mercy Health — Franklin Avenue Medical Center

2213 Franklin Ave., Toledo, OH 43608

Drop-off hours: 7:30 a.m. — 6 p.m. daily

Mercy College of Ohio

2221 Madison Ave., Toledo, OH 43604

Drop-off hours: 6 a.m. — 10 p.m. daily

Mercy Health — St. Anne Hospital

3404 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623

Drop-off hours: 6 a.m. — 9 p.m. daily

Mercy Health — St. Charles Hospital

2600 Navarre Ave., Oregon, OH 43616

Drop-off hours: 6 a.m. — 9 p.m. daily

Mercy Health — Tiffin Hospital

45 St. Lawrence Dr., Tiffin, OH 44883

Drop-off hours: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m. daily

Mercy Health — Willard Hospital

1100 Neal Zick Rd., Willard, OH 44890

Drop-off hours: 6 a.m. — 8 p.m. daily

Mercy Health — Defiance Clinic

1400 2nd St., Defiance, OH 43512

Drop-off hours: Mon. — Fri., 7 a.m. — 6 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m. — 12 p.m.