News Release: Local Leaders Join Walgreens to Launch Effort to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse

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September 21, 2016

Local Leaders Join Walgreens to Launch Effort to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse 

Safe Medication Disposal Kiosks Available at Three Lake County Walgreens Locations 

New medication disposal kiosks at three Lake County Walgreens locations will allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, at no cost. The kiosks offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidently used or intentionally misused by someone else.

Local and state elected leaders, including Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim, Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose, along with State Senator Terry Link, joined Walgreens Regional Vice President Joe Willey to announce Walgreens’ Safe Medication Disposal Program in Lake County on Wednesday.

The officials unveiled a safe medication disposal kiosk at the Walgreens store located at 1811 Belvidere Road in Waukegan—one of three public safe medication disposal receptacles in Lake County and 45 across the state.

Lake County Board Chairman said, “We know that less supply equals less likelihood for opioid addiction. Walgreens has stepped up to combat drug abuse with this program, and I encourage Lake County residents to take action—Go through your medicine cabinets and take your unused or unwanted medications to one of these boxes. This issue didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t be solved overnight. We must continue to work together at the federal, state and local levels to fight this crisis that is destroying families and having a detrimental effect on our communities.”

“Prescription Drug Disposal Saves Lives. Period. We have seen too many tragic examples of lives destroyed by the misuse of prescription medication, particularly opiates. This is one way our community can help make a difference. Lake County has been a leader in our collective efforts to drive proper drug disposal. I applaud Walgreens for their leadership,” said State’s Attorney Nerheim.

Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose said, “At the end of 2014, Lake County had 17 prescription drug disposal boxes in law enforcement offices. Today, we have 28. I’m pleased to report that Lake County law enforcement collected 7,623 pounds of unused or expired prescription drugs since January. We are serious about preventing prescription drugs from getting in the wrong hands and disposal boxes are easy and convenient for the public. We thank the folks at Walgreens for joining us and adding disposal boxes at three Lake County Walgreens locations, providing the public three more spots to dispose of prescription drugs.”

“By making safe medication disposal kiosks available in select Illinois stores, including the ones in Lake County, Walgreens is taking an important first step to curb the misuse of medications throughout the country,” said Joe Willey, Walgreens Regional Vice President. “As a pharmacy, we are committed to playing a role in what must be a comprehensive solution to prevent prescription drug and opioid abuse.”

 

Walgreens is installing 500 safe medication disposal kiosks in select stores throughout the country. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours (24 hours a day at most kiosk locations). The Lake County locations include:

  • Buffalo Grove Walgreens - 15 N Buffalo Grove Rd
  • Deerfield Walgreens - 780 Waukegan Rd
  • Waukegan Walgreens - 1811 Belvidere Rd

 

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Contact: Jennie Vana

Lake County Communications Manager

Email: jvana@lakecountyil.gov

Phone Number: 847-377-2154