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Kroger to Co-Host Drug Take-Back Event Across 26 States

Drug take-back events will take place on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at nearly 200 Kroger Family of Pharmacies.

The Kroger Co. and United HealthCare are teaming up to host drug take-back events at nearly 200 Kroger Family of Pharmacies locations from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

These events, part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, provide a safe, convenient and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Drug take-back events also provide the opportunity to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and the importance of using medications safely. During the events, pharmacy associates will offer additional information about prescription drug misuse.

“We are committed to partnering with our associates, customers and communities to help stop the opioid epidemic,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Pharmacy and The Little Clinic at Kroger. “The drug take-back events are one part of our comprehensive commitment, which includes offering naloxone — the life-saving medication — at our 2,300 pharmacy locations across the country to combat this health crisis. Our partnership with Everfi and DisposeRx® also raises awareness and provides tools to help customers properly dispose of unused medication.”

Independent public health experts agree that properly disposing of prescription medications is essential to the fight against the opioid epidemic. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 53 percent of those who misused prescription pain relievers obtained them from a friend or relative.

Only about 11 percent of unused medication is disposed of properly, according to the Geisinger Center for Health Research. Further, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommendations include the need for improved consumer access to convenient and year-round drug take-back opportunities to reduce the amount of unused medications available for misuse.


To view 2019 drug take-back locations, visit Kroger.com/takebackday.

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