Drug Take Back Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UCLA West Valley Medical Center hosts prescription drug take-back event

Community invited to safely dispose of unused medications on October 25

West Hills, CA – On Saturday, October 25, 2025, UCLA West Valley Medical Center will host a community prescription drug take-back event, offering residents a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications. The event aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which has helped Americans safely discard medications for more than a decade.

“Every unused pill in a medicine cabinet is a potential risk,” said Sofia Gezalyan, PharmD, APh, Director of Pharmacy at UCLA West Valley Medical Center. “Events like this empower our community to take a simple but meaningful step toward preventing misuse and protecting loved ones. Safe disposal saves lives.”

Since its launch in 2010, Take Back Day has removed more than 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medications from circulation nationwide, helping prevent old, unwanted, or expired medications from becoming a gateway to addiction.

What:
Prescription Drug Take Back Event (in alignment with DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day). Accepted items include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids must be sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted.

Where:
7300 Medical Center Drive, West Hills, CA

When:
Saturday, October 25, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Contact: For more information or an interview, email: David Sampson, UCLA Media Relations: [email protected]

To find additional collection sites and learn more, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday.