DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens today announced it has reached 1,000 safe medication disposal kiosk installations at its drugstores nationwide. Joining company officials to mark the milestone at one of its Las Vegas stores was Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada, where Walgreens has expanded its safe medication disposal kiosks this year to 12 drugstores throughout Nevada.
The first of its kind program to allow for safe medication disposal in a drugstore setting allows individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, year-round at no cost. The kiosks are available during regular pharmacy hours and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.
“As we mark the installation of 1,000 safe medication disposal kiosks in our drugstores, we are truly inspired by the response to the program from communities around the country,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of operations. “We are proud to provide a solution to get unwanted medications out of home medicine cabinets and avoid landfills while we continue to expand the program to address a real health crisis facing the country.”
Walgreens safe medication disposal program has collected and safely disposed of more than 270 tons of medications, or the equivalent of about 150 cars, since the launch of the program in 2016. The program makes 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.
Last fall, the company announced its partnership with leading health care organizations AmerisourceBergen, Pfizer and Prime Therapeutics to expand the availability of safe medication disposal kiosks to approximately 1,500 Walgreens stores nationwide.
To learn more about safe medication disposal efforts visit Walgreens.com/combatdrugabuse.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, 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 Aug. 31, 2017, Walgreens operates 8,100 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.