NORTH CHANNEL – The problem of drug disposal, and possible misuse of available drugs in the home, just got easier with a Disposal Box available at the Walgreens store on Uvalde.
At a dedication ceremony last Thursday, Sept. 1, Congressman Gene Green and representatives of Walgreens spoke and demonstrated how to use the Disposal facility.
Green is ranking member of the subcommittee on Health for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal health programs.
In his remarks, Green noted the large number of flu shots donated by Walgreens during the school immunization day at North Shore and Galena Park. He noted the problem of drug overdose, where every 12 minutes someone in America dies of an overdose. He said that proper disposal, such as in this Kiosk, will help solve the problem.
Walgreen’s representatives also spoke. Regional VP Stephen Johnson said that there were 18 Disposal Kiosks in the Houston area, and there would be more. To date, there are 53 Medication Disposal Kiosks in Texas. Nearby locations include Tidwell Road, West Road, Old Spanish Trail, and Buffalo Speedway. The Sheriff’s office also provides a similar drop-off in Aldine.
Spokesperson Carole Hardin-Oliver also pointed out that Walgreens is involved in providing an antidote to opioid overdoses, naloxone, without a prescription at all their pharmacies. This medicine, and instructions on how to use it, are expected to save many lives, she said.