DEERFIELD, Ill., October 24, 2018 - Walgreens today announced it is expanding its effort to combat the opioid epidemic as it encourages Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets in advance of Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday October 27. To complement its existing safe medication disposal kiosk program, Walgreens has committed to providing a year-round safe drug disposal option in all its pharmacies at no cost to individuals. Beginning in spring 2019, all Walgreens pharmacies that do not offer a safe medication disposal kiosk will stock a take home safe medication disposal kit in the pharmacy that will be available at no cost upon patient request.
“We are excited to build upon our efforts to make safe medication disposal easier and more accessible to more Americans,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy and healthcare. “Both of these programs offer the best way to ensure medications are not accidentally or intentionally misused as we continue our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.”
Walgreens continues to work with AmerisourceBergen, Pfizer and Prime Therapeutics to expand its safe medication disposal kiosk program to 1,500 drugstores across the country. Since the program began, more than 400 tons of medications, which is more than the weight of a 777 jet, has been collected and safely disposed of.
Both programs make the disposal of medications — including opioids and other controlled substances — easier and more convenient while helping to reduce the misuse of medications and the rise in overdose deaths.
Beginning next month, Walgreens will install 14 safe medication disposal kiosks throughout Missouri after working to update rules that will allow for the program’s implementation in the state. When installation is complete, safe medication disposal kiosks will be available in select Walgreens across 46 states and Washington D.C.
As part of its continuing effort to combat drug abuse, Walgreens will again participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day held on October 27 where select Walgreens stores throughout the country will serve as a collection point for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal.
Walgreens continues to increase access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that if administered in time can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The medication is now available without a physician’s prescription in 48 states including the recent addition of all of its Delaware pharmacies.
To learn more of Walgreens efforts visit Walgreens.com/combatdrugabuse.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. As of August 31, 2018, Walgreens operates 9,560 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.
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