Kaiser Permanente Southern California facilities, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, are encouraging community members to participate in “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, located at 6041 Cadillac Ave. in Los Angeles, will serve as one of the drop-off locations. The public will have the opportunity to drive up to the 24-hour pharmacy turnaround at the medical center to drop off unwanted, unused, or expired medications. A pharmacist will be on hand to answer any questions about the medications.
“For National Drug Take Back Day we have partnered with the DEA to provide our community a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications with no questions asked – and free of charge,” said Paige Lin, area pharmacy director, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles.
Prescription drug take-back programs address vital public safety and public health issues. In April 2022, a total of 10 boxes weighing an estimated 110 pounds were collected at the Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles event alone.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more people started down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs, and each year higher amounts of opioids are being turned in at the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events.
People unable to participate on October 29 can properly dispose of medications at drug disposal kiosks in Kaiser Permanente facilities throughout Southern California. A listing of additional drop-off locations available for public use can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.
The company currently serves approximately 12.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers.
Expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
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