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REPORT FROM KAISER PERMANENTE HAWAII — Kaiser Permanente Hawaii today announced that more than 100 pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs were collected through its clinics on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The drug take-back initiative provided the community with the opportunity to properly dispose of expired or unused medications at 18 clinic locations on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.“Kaiser Permanente initiated this prescription drug take-back program to help curb the growing rates of prescription drug use and poison-related deaths related to unused medication in the household,” said Barbara Kashiwabara, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services. “Many people also don’t realize that improperly disposing of unwanted medications – flushing them down toilets or throwing them in the trash – contributes to water and land contamination. So, in addition to the environmental benefits, we’re hopeful that this initiative also serves an educational purpose.”
The drug take-back initiative was held in partnership with the State Narcotics Enforcement Division and State Department of the Attorney General and in addition, on the Big Island, with the University of Hawaii, Hilo, College of Pharmacy.
Breakdown of drug take-back collection by island:
• Oahu – 50.64 pounds
• Maui – 47.76 pounds
• Big Island – 6.33 pounds
TOTAL – 104.73 pounds
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years, with physicians who are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information, become a fan of good health at Facebook.com/KPHawaii or follow @KPHawaii on Twitter.
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Laura M. Lott
808-432-5916
808-343-2406 (mobile)