COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kroger Health and Cardinal Health are partnering up to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which allows residents to drop off unused or unwanted medications.
On Saturday, April 27, the following Kroger locations will have officers ready to collect the medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
- 3637 South High St., Columbus, Ohio
- 1375 Chambers Rd., Columbus, Ohio
- 300 South Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, Ohio
- 5965 Hoover Rd., Grove City, Ohio
- 4656 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard, Ohio
- 1621 N. Memorial Dr., Lancaster, Ohio
- 6580 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio
- 350 East Broad St., Pataskala, Ohio
- 1045 Hill Road North, Pickerington, Ohio
- 3975 West Powell Rd., Powell, Ohio
- 548 Clinton Ave., Washington Court House, Ohio
- 55 West Schrock Rd., Westerville, Ohio
- 3387 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Ohio
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics states 16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year. Since 2015, prescription drug abuse has declined by almost 14%. However, officials say there's more work to be done to help get rid of unwanted or unused medicine.
“The Kroger Columbus Division is excited to participate in this year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day so we can help individuals and families in our communities live healthier lives,” said Mark Bruce, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Columbus Division, in a press release. “Our collaboration with Cardinal Health and our local law enforcement, helps provide a safe opportunity to dispose of unused or expired prescription and nonprescription drugs.”
Kroger Health, in partnership with Cardinal Health, has hosted Drug Take-Back Day events since 2018, and so far, they've collected more than 158,000 pounds of unused or unwanted medication during those events.
“At Cardinal Health, we’re invested in creating healthy, equitable communities,” said Jessie Cannon, vice president of Community Relations for Cardinal Health, in a press release. “And a key part of any healthy community is providing safe and accessible outlets for people to properly dispose of unused medications.”