Kaiser Permanente Invites the Public to Safely Dispose of Drugs

Kaiser Permanente Southern California facilities, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, are inviting residents to participate in “ National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fourteen Kaiser Permanente Southern California facilities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern and San Diego counties will be participating as drop-off sites. This event aims to raise awareness about public safety and health issues, while providing communities with a convenient and anonymous way to safely dispose of expired, unwanted or unused medications.

Those unable to participate in the Oct. 26 event can properly dispose of medicines at drug disposal kiosks inside numerous Kaiser Permanente facilities throughout Southern California. These kiosks will be available for public use during regular service hours. A listing of additional drop-off locations can be found on the federal Drug Enforcement Administration website.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we care about the total health of our Southern California community, and believe it’s our duty to educate residents about the importance of the proper and safe disposal of prescription drugs, “said Alan Kiyohara, vice president of Pharmacy Operations and Services for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

“We also want to raise public awareness about the significant harm that comes from abuse of medications. Studies tell us medicines that remain unused in the home are highly susceptible to misuse that can have dire implications on a person’s health.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. continues to be high, as is the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to prescription drugs. According to the DEA, more people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs, and each year, high amounts of opioids are being turned in at Drug Take Back Day events locally and across the nation.