Aspirus Upper Peninsula pharmacies have launched a new Medication Deactivation Bag Program at locations in Houghton, Laurium, Ontonagon, and Ironwood. This initiative provides free medication deactivation bags to residents, giving families a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications at home.
Aspirus received these medication disposal supplies through the Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) Program at the University of Michigan. The program is designed to address the growing need for safe medication disposal options that protect individuals, families, and the broader community.
Proper disposal of medications is essential to:
- Prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children or vulnerable individuals.
- Reduce the risk of overdose from leftover prescription medications.
- Limit access to medications that could be misused.
- Protect the environment from contamination caused by improper disposal.
According to national data, every 10 minutes a child visits the emergency room due to medication poisoning. In addition, three in five teens say prescription medication is easy to get from their parents’ medicine cabinet. Programs like this help reduce these risks by providing a simple, effective disposal method that anyone can use at home.
“By making medication deactivation bags available through our pharmacies, Aspirus is giving families the tools to take action,” said Abby Fenton, Manager – Pharmacies, Aspirus Upper Peninsula. “It’s important for people to understand that unused medications don’t just pose a risk inside their home—they can impact the health and safety of the whole community. This program makes it easy to do the right thing.”
The Medication Deactivation Bag Program reflects Aspirus’ ongoing commitment to public health and safety across the region.
“This program directly addresses a real health concern in our communities,” said Natalie Seaber, President – Aspirus Michigan Region. “By helping families safely eliminate medications from their homes, we’re reducing risks of misuse, overdose, and poisoning, while building a safer, healthier future for the Upper Peninsula.”
Medication deactivation bags can be picked up for free at any Aspirus Pharmacy location in Houghton, Laurium, Ontonagon, or Ironwood.
For more information about Aspirus Pharmacy services, visit aspirus.org.