Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, September 26

Kaiser Permanente Southern California, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, is encouraging community members to participate in the 10th “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prescription drug take-back programs provide local residents with an opportunity to safely and easily dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused medicines.

“Events like this not only address a crucial public safety and public health concern, but they provide pharmacies and law enforcement with an additional forum for raising awareness about the benefits of participating in the program,” said Paula Barton Mann, Vice President, National Pharmacy Compliance, Kaiser Permanente. “Care providers like Kaiser Permanente often take this opportunity to educate patients and families about the dangers of expired, unwanted, or unused medications, particularly when they are not properly destroyed. It has historically been quite a successful program for us, and one our members frequently utilize.”

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 44 people die from drug overdoses involving prescription painkillers every day in the United States. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“This program has been a tremendous success,” said Alan Kiyohara, vice president, Pharmacy Operations and Services, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “In 2014, our Southern California facilities collected over 7,300 pounds of expired or unwanted medicines. By properly disposing of prescription drugs, we eliminate expired or unwanted medication that can otherwise pose a hazard to the safety of children, families, local communities, and the environment.”

Kaiser Permanente South Bay medical center will serve as a drop-off site for disposal of expired, unwanted, and unused medicines. The service is free, easy, and anonymous. Residents may bring their medications for disposal to:

Parkview Building
Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center
25825 S. Vermont Avenue
Harbor City, CA 90710

If residents are unable to participate on September 26, they can also purchase “mail back” postage-paid envelopes available at Kaiser Permanente and many other pharmacies.