CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. is teaming up with Cardinal Health to host drug take-back events at more than 200 Kroger locations in 13 states. The events will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 27.

Colleen Lindholz

These events are being held in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. They are designed to provide a safe, convenient and anonymous way for people to dispose of their 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, according to the companies. During the events, Kroger pharmacy associates will provide participants with educational resources around prescription drug misuse.

“Kroger is committed to partnering with our associates, customers, communities and companies like Cardinal Health to help solve the opioid epidemic,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of the Kroger Pharmacy and The Little Clinic. “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 the health crisis.”

Cardinal Health and Kroger have worked together to sponsor community drug take-back events for several years. In April 2018, they co-hosted more than 100 events across 26 states, where more than 16,000 pounds of unused or expired medications were collected.

“Drug take-back events are a key component of our Generation Rx program, which is designed to teach people of all ages about using medications safely,” said Jessie Cannon, vice president of community relations at Cardinal Health. “We created Generation Rx in partnership with the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy nearly a decade ago and have reached more than a million children, young people and adults with its critical resources and messages. Under the umbrella of Generation Rx and our Opioid Action Program, we are pleased to continue the partnership with Kroger around these community-based take-back events.”

Kroger and Cardinal Health’s 2018 drug take-back locations are listed here.