Drug Take Back Day Coming Up Near Cerritos

Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center (KPDMC),in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, is encouraging community members to participate in "National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day" on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

KPDMC's Bellflower Medical Offices will serve as a drop site for the disposal of expired, unwanted and unused medicines. Residents may bring their medications for disposal. The service is free, easy and anonymous.

Medication that remains in the home are highly susceptible to misuse. By properly disposing of prescription drugs, we reduce the risk of abuse, accidental poisonings and environmental damage posed by such medications, especially controlled prescription drugs such as painkillers, tranquilizers and stimulants.

Prescription drug take back events address vital public safety and public health issues and provide residents with a convenient, anonymous way to safely dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused medicines. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more people started down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs, and each year higher amounts of opioids are being turned in at these events.

A listing of additional drop-off locations available for public use can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website. Members of the public who are unable to participate on April 27 can properly dispose of medications at drug disposal kiosks in Kaiser Permanente facilities throughout Southern California.

For more information click here.