Jessica Fisher, Business and Developer Services, No Phone Number Available
Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 10:06 a.m.
In 2014, about 980 Washingtonians died from drug overdoses. In an effort to reduce this number, Walgreens is launching an effort to reduce drug overdoses in our state.
On Wednesday in Spokane, Sanjay Bhana, Regional Vice President Pharmacy and Retail Operations at Walgreens, announced new safe medication disposal kiosk in select Walgreens stores in Washington state. In addition, all Washington Walgreens will begin dispensing Naloxone, a potentially lifesaving opiate antidote, without a physician’s prescription. Mayor David Condon, Representative Marcus Riccelli, Spokane Police Law Enforcement Director Jim McDevitt and Spokane Fire Department medical service officer Tim Loncon were all on hand to celebrate the Walgreens initiative.
Drug use and abuse has surged in Spokane, especially opiate use. At the announcement, McDevitt indicated that property crimes in the city are often tied to drug-related issues. Limiting access to unused prescription medication will help prevent further drug abuse. Walgreens will provide its customers with a safe way to dispose of unwanted medication at no cost year-round. These safe medication disposal kiosks will help prevent accidental and intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Later this year, Walgreens will have these safe medication disposal kiosks in over 500 locations nationwide.
Walgreens is an example of the many great community partners we have in Spokane. In the past, Walgreens has provided flu shots and free vaccines for those without insurance or underinsured in Spokane. Thank you to Walgreens for your continued dedication to our community!
