To help curb prescription drug abuse, Walgreens plans to install medication disposal kiosks in more than 500 stores where individuals can deposit medications, including opioids and controlled substances.
The Deerfield, Ill.-based retail pharmacy chain hopes the disposal kiosks will reduce the rise in overdose deaths and misuse of medications by someone other than the intended recipient. People can dispose of medications in the kiosks at no cost.
Kiosk installation began in California and will launch in an additional 38 states and Washington, D.C., by the end of the year.
Additionally, Walgreens will make naloxone available over the counter this year in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Naloxone can reverse the effects of heroin and other opioids in an overdose event. Walgreens has rolled out this initiative in New York, with Indiana and Ohio to join this month, too.
"Walgreens pharmacists play an important role in counseling patients on the safe use of their medications, and now we are leading the way in retail pharmacy’s fight against prescription drug abuse," said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. "We understand the challenges our communities face, and we stand ready to help our patients and customers lead healthier lives. When the stakes are this high, the solutions must be comprehensive."
More articles on health IT:
Pennsylvania hospital fires nursing aide for HIPAA violation
Accenture report: Investment in 'Ubers of healthcare' to hit $1B by year's end
19 hospitals, health systems seeking Cerner, MEDITECH, Epic talent