OHIO — Kroger Health and Cardinal Health are teaming up to host Drug Take Back Day events at more than 150 pharmacy locations across the U.S., including more than 20 locations in central Ohio.

What You Need To Know

  • The events will take place Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at select locations

  • Unused, unwanted or expired pills, liquids, gels, over-the-counter medications and patches will be accepted

  • Local law enforcement will be at the sites 

The events are part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Take Back Day, which is Oct. 29. 

“Kroger Health is beyond excited to once again collaborate with Cardinal Health to provide anonymous, safe and convenient locations to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs,” said Steve Burson, health and wellness leader of Kroger’s Columbus Division, in a press release. “This step is one we can all take to help strengthen our communities and help people live healthier lives.”

Data from the Health Policy Institute shows the number of U.S. adults taking prescriptions has increased steadily over recent years — around 66% currently.

“At Cardinal Health, it’s always a priority for us to help lead the fight against prescription medication misuse,” said Jessie Cannon, vice president of community relations at Cardinal Health. 

In the central Ohio area, drug take back events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Unused, unwanted or expired pills, liquids, gels, over-the-counter medications and patches will be accepted at these Kroger locations:

  • 6095 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
  • 887 N Bridge St., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
  • 3637 S High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • 1375 Chambers Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43212
  • 7100 Hospital Dr., Dublin, OH 43017
  • 300 S Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230
  • 4656 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard, Ohio 43026
  • 1621 N. Memorial Dr., Lancaster, Ohio 43130
  • 31550 Chiefton Dr., Logan, Ohio 43138
  • 1428 Marion-Waldo, Marion, Ohio 43302
  • 1608 Marion/Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio 43302
  • 555 Marion Rd., Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338
  • 1155 N 21st Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
  • 350 E Broad St., Pataskala, Ohio 43062
  • 1045 Hill Road North, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
  • 3975 W Powell Rd., Powell, Ohio 43065
  • 6580 E Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
  • 1637 U.S. Route 36 East, Urbana, Ohio 43078
  • 548 Clinton Ave., Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
  • 55 W Schrock Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43081
  • 338 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Kroger Health and Cardinal Health will also host a Wellness Pop-Up Fair at 55 W. Schrock Rd. in Westerville, Ohio. Kroger Health pharmacists and The Little Clinic will provide flu and COVID vaccines, health screenings, educational resources about mental health and the importance of proper medication disposal. There will also be an area for children with a coloring station and games.

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