Fort Wayne, IN – Kroger Health is stepping up to protect families and the environment by offering free prescription drug take‑back events on Saturday, Oct. 24. The events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at several Kroger stores throughout Fort Wayne and the surrounding northeast Indiana area, as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take‑Back Day.
Local sites and what to bring
Participating Kroger locations in the WOWO listening area will host collection points outside each store. Law‑enforcement officers from the local sheriff’s departments will be on hand to receive unwanted medications. Pill bottles are accepted at all sites; acceptance of liquids, gels, patches, and other forms may vary by location, so residents are encouraged to check ahead. Medications will not be taken inside the stores, ensuring a safe and orderly process.
Greencastle High School collection
In addition to the retail sites, Kroger Health will partner with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department at a dedicated collection point on the grounds of Greencastle High School, 910 E. Washington St. This collaboration expands access for residents of Putnam County and surrounding communities.
State police participation
The Indiana State Police have also announced their involvement in National Prescription Drug Take‑Back Day. Most state police posts will accept unwanted medications on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lafayette and Putnamville posts will hold collections a day early, on Oct. 23, during the same hours. In addition to pills, the state police will accept vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges, but will not accept needles.
Why take‑back events matter
Improper disposal of prescription drugs can lead to accidental poisonings, especially among children, and can contaminate water supplies. By providing a convenient, law‑enforcement‑backed drop‑off, Kroger Health helps families keep their homes safe and supports broader public‑health goals.
Track record and resources
Kroger Health and the Cardinal Health Foundation have partnered on drug take‑back events since 2018. According to Kroger, the program has served more than 86,000 visitors nationwide, demonstrating strong community demand for safe medication disposal.
Residents can locate additional participating sites by visiting the Kroger National Drug Take‑Back Day website or the DEA’s collection site locator.
Supporting a healthier community
These events reflect a growing commitment among local businesses, law‑enforcement agencies, and health organizations to safeguard families and the environment. By making it easy for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana residents to responsibly discard unused or expired medications, Kroger Health is helping to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion and protect our water resources for future generations.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
