Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is launching its new Consumer Drug Take-Back Program by installing secure in-store kiosks designed to help customers safely and properly dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at no cost. Customers can find the easily identifiable kiosks in the pharmacy area in all 241 Meijer supercenters across the Midwest.
“Meijer is thrilled to be one of the first in our industry to provide a secure and convenient prescription drug take-back program at all stores in the communities we serve,” said Jason Beauch, VP of Meijer Pharmacy. “The Meijer Drug Take-Back Program allows our customers to remove the risk of an unforeseen accident occurring with expired or unused medications, while enabling them to properly dispose of prescription drugs and reducing the possibility of creating a public health hazard.”
Customers can use the kiosks during pharmacy hours to dispose any unused, unwanted or expired medications—including opioids, controlled substances and over-the-counter medications. Meijer pharmacists work in partnership with InMar Rx Returns to properly document, transport and dispose of medications on a regular basis.
The Meijer Drug Take-Back Program complies the rules and safety guidelines established by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and HIPAA privacy laws.
The Meijer Consumer Drug Take-Back Program supports a growing community need to have access to a safe method for disposing unused medications. According to the DEA’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
