U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL) joined a public-private coalition on Tuesday in launching a nationwide program to prevent deaths related to opioid drug abuse.
In addition to Dold, the coalition includes White House Drug Policy Director Michael Botticelli, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), representatives of Walgreens and local law enforcement officials.
“Nearly one-quarter of people who try heroin become addicted, and their addiction frequently starts with recreational use of the kind of drugs that people too often leave lying around in medicine cabinets,” Dold said. “But the statistics don’t even begin to tell the whole story. As a co-chair of the Suburban Anti-Heroin Task Force in Illinois, I’ve seen firsthand how these drugs destroy families. That’s why I’ve been working with local leaders and businesses, such as Walgreens, to find common-sense solutions to curb drug abuse, and in the coming days we’ll also be introducing new legislation that will help save lives.”
Walgreens plans to install safe medication disposal kiosks at 500 retail locations. Customers will be able to discard unused prescription medications, including opioids, in the kiosks to prevent misuse.
Naloxone, an overdose antidote, will also be offered without a prescription at Walgreens pharmacies in 35 states to help prevent overdose deaths. The antidote will be available without a prescription at more than 5,800 Walgreens locations.
“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,” Walgreens President of Pharmacy and Retail Operations Richard Ashworth said. “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.”
The letter also questioned whether third-party device manufacturers and app developers would have to meet the same privacy obligations that cable providers are required to meet under Section 631 of the Communications Act.