Milwaukee City Wire

The Zablocki VA Health Care System is organizing Medication Take Back Day events to facilitate the safe disposal of unused medications. These events are scheduled for April 25 at both the Green Bay VA Clinic, located at 2851 University Ave., and the Appleton VA Clinic at 10 Tri Park Way, and on April 26 at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, located at 5000 W. National Ave.

During these events, the public can drive through the facility entrances to receive pre-paid envelopes for sending medications through the U.S. postal service. Alternatively, individuals can park and use the secure disposal receptacles available at each location.

This initiative is in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and it is open to everyone, not just those affiliated with Veterans. Milwaukee VA Police Chief Martin Runge emphasized the importance of these events, stating, "We are pleased to welcome our community to the VA facilities for VA Medication Take Back Day again. It is important to clean out our medicine cabinets regularly and dispose of old or unused prescriptions in this safe and secure manner."

The Dispose of Unused Medications and Prescription (DUMP) Opioids Act mandates that the VA establish specific periods for the disposal of opioids and other controlled substances at designated VA facilities. These facilities include those with onsite pharmacies or an area allocated for law enforcement purposes.

For those unable to attend the Take Back Day events, the Department of Justice offers a Public Disposal Locations Search Tool to find year-round collection sites. Additionally, Veterans enrolled for VA care can bring expired and unused medications for disposal at their VA care site at any time by contacting their local VA Police Service or VA Pharmacy.