April 20, 2023
LAWT News Service
Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center is partnering with local law enforcement to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications with no questions asked — and free of charge.
The public will have the opportunity to drive up to the pharmacy turnaround at the medical center to drop off unwanted, unused or expired medications. from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Saturday, April 22, as part of “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”
A pharmacist will also be on hand to answer any questions individuals may have about the medications that they have.
“At Kaiser Permanente, we care about the total health of our Southern California community, and we believe it’s our duty to educate residents about the importance of the proper and safe disposal of prescription drugs, “said Rhonda Polchak, vice president of Pharmacy Operations and Services for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. continue to be high, as is the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to prescription drugs. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that is partnering with Kaiser Permanente for this event, more people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs. Also, each year, high amounts of opioids are being turned in at Drug Take Back Day events locally and across the nation.
Additionally, unused or expired medications that are flushed or thrown out with trash can end up polluting the environment.
Those unable to participate in the April 22 event can properly dispose of medicines 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 DEA website.