MORGANTOWN — CVS Health has installed 19 medication disposal units in its pharmacies across the state to help in the fight against opioids.
CVS’s Morgantown location on Pineview Drive was selected by the company to receive one of the new disposal units, according to a press release. Locations were picked following an evaluation of which locations would best support the community and best conform to the regulatory requirements, a CVS spokesperson said.
To date, almost 350,000 pounds of medication have been collected across the nation through more than 1,400 disposal units, a spokesperson said. When a unit is ready to be emptied, a certified vendor disposes of the medication responsibly. The proper disposal of unused medication is important because over half of individuals who misuse prescription opioids get them from a friend or relative, a spokesperson said.
The units are intended to be used for prescription medications, including over-the-counter medication and are anonymous and secure.
The company also partners with law enforcement to offer disposal units to agencies that apply and, according to a press release, CVS has previously donated disposal units to police departments in Parkersburg, Morgantown, Star City, Marlinton and Charleston.
A spokesperson said the company is dedicated to helping address and prevent opioid abuse and the disposal units are part of a commitment to install 750 in-store units in 2018.
