New program of recovery in Meijer stores: collection of 4 tons of undesirable drugs in 8 weeks

BIG RAPIDS, MI – More than four tons of unwanted and potentially dangerous drugs have been collected as part of a drug recovery program launched in Meijer stores two months ago.

The program is available in each of the company's 241 stores in the Midwest.

"The response since the installation of kiosks in all our pharmacies clearly indicates that our customers appreciate having a safe and easy way to properly dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications," he said. Jason Beauch, Vice President of Meijer Pharmacy. "If you live near any Meijer store in the Midwest, you'll have easy access to this new service."

Meijer customers can use the kiosks during pharmacy hours to get rid of any unused, unwanted or expired medications, including opioids, controlled substances and over-the-counter medications.

Clients can ask for help if they need it, but kiosks are installed in pharmacies, so they can simply enter and drop the medication.

Items that are not accepted at kiosks include needles or other sharp objects, asthma inhalers, mercury thermometers, iodine-containing drugs, illegal drugs, including marijuana, and all prescription drugs illegally obtained.

Once the drugs have fallen into the kiosks, Meijer pharmacists follow the procedures to properly document, transport and dispose of the medications appropriately. The Meijer Drug Resumption Program complies with the rules and safety guidelines set out in the US Drug Enforcement Act and the HIPAA privacy laws.

According to the DEA's National Survey of Drug Use and Health, six million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs in 2017, and most often with prescription drugs provided by the province. family and friends, often through the home's medicine cabinet.

More information is online at the address meijer.com/pharmacy.