The Kroger Atlanta Division, in partnership with Kroger Health and Cardinal Health, is preparing for its annual drug take back events at more than 150 local pharmacy locations across the country. These events will take place on Oct. 29 – the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
In recent years, the rate of U.S. adults taking prescription drugs has increased, with the most recent data from the Health Policy Institute showing about 66 percent of U.S. adults are taking prescription drugs. With these increases in prescription drug usage, misuse of expired or unused medications is always a concern.
“Kroger’s Atlanta Division is beyond excited to once again collaborate with Cardinal Health to provide anonymous, safe and convenient locations to dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs,” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division.
The Drug Take Back event ladders up to Cardinal Health’s Generation Rx program, an evidence-informed prevention education program which offers age-appropriate resources to teach others about using medications safely. Generation Rx was founded at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and has been powered through a partnership with Cardinal Health since 2009.
In Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina, Drug Take Back events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local law enforcement officers will be on site to accept unused, unwanted or expired pills, liquids, gels, over-the-counter medications and patches just outside stores (no medications will be accepted inside stores).
Kroger pharmacists are available at store locations to educate customers about proper medication use and disposal. In-store pharmacies also offer naloxone – the life-saving medication that helps reverse opioid overdose – and free DisposeRx at-home disposal packets for customers with qualifying prescriptions.
During the events, Kroger pharmacy employees will distribute free reusable totes with DisposeRx at-home medication disposal packets, mental health resources and Generation Rx materials.
Cardinal Health has joined Kroger Health in hosting drug take back events across the U.S. for several years. More than 115,000 pounds of unused prescription drugs have been collected for safe disposal during these events. To view the complete list of Kroger Health drug take back event locations across the country, visit kroger.com.
