Ashley Flower, Rite Aid Foundation, 717-975-5718
Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 12:38 p.m.
Camp Hill, Pa. (Aug. 30, 2017) – The Rite Aid Foundation announced today the rollout of its KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, a new program focused on reducing drug accessibility, medication misuse and accidental poisoning among children and adolescents. Funded by The Rite Foundation’s KidCents program, the program provides law enforcement agencies in communities served by Rite Aid with medication disposal units for individuals to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Spokane Mayor David Condon and Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl will officially launch the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program at a press conference today at 10:30 a.m. at the Spokane Police Department’s Downtown Precinct at 221 W. 1st Ave.
“Through KidCents and by working with local law enforcement agencies, we’ve come up with a solution to help address drug abuse and accidental poisonings, both of which pose a serious threat to the health, safety and well-being of our nation’s young people,” said Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad. “Initial feedback from law enforcement agencies in our pilot markets has been positive and we continue to see strong interest in our program. We look forward to partnering with law enforcement agencies to bring disposal units to the communities we serve, truly delivering on The Rite Aid Foundation’s mission of improving the health and wellbeing of kids.”
“Drug misuse and abuse deserves our attention, as it continues to be a problem in communities here in Eastern Washington and beyond,” said U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “It will take the collaboration and efforts of government, law enforcement and the public sector to address this national issue, and I applaud The
Rite Aid Foundation developing the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program and bringing it here to the city and people of Spokane.”
As part of the initial rollout of the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, the Spokane Police Department has received three medication disposal units. The units, now open to the public, are located inside the Spokane Police stations at 1100 West Mallon Ave., 5124 North Market St., and 221 West First Ave. The units are available around-the-clock for people to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
“Enhancing community safety has been one of my critical focus areas since becoming Mayor and working with Chief Meidl, we’ve worked hard to improve the quality of life for Spokane residents,” said Spokane Mayor David Condon. “The fact that The Rite Aid Foundation chose Spokane to officially launch its Safe Medication Disposal Program is a testament to the tremendous progress we’ve made so far in achieving our city’s Vision 2020 goals of a safer, smarter and healthier Spokane.”
Added Spokane Police Chief, “Providing our residents with places to easily and safely dispose of unused medication is one more way we can fight drug abuse in our city and ultimately, make Spokane a safer place. “We are proud to partner with KidCents and The Rite Aid Foundation to create a safer environment for our children, families and community.”
Currently, there are more than 40 law enforcement agencies across the country that are participating in the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, with 76 units available in 14 states.
Any law enforcement agency located in a community served by Rite Aid can now apply to participate in the Safe Medication Disposal Program. Law enforcement agencies that are selected will receive high-quality, stainless steel medication disposal units to keep in their locations, as well as initial start-up supplies. In addition, shipping, delivery, and installation is free. To apply, visit kidcents.riteaid.com.
In addition to the KidsCents Safe Medication program, Rite Aid has also added resources on drug safety and disposal to www.riteaid.com. Visitors can search for a disposal site in their community, learn how to properly dispose of medication at home, access resources provided by the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency and find information on treatment for drug abuse and addiction. In communities with KidCents Safe Medication Disposal units, Rite Aid pharmacies in the surrounding area have brochures that list the locations of participating police departments.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,500 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.
