CVS Announces Drug Disposal Unit, Opiate Recovery Program Support

NASHUA, NH - CVS locations in Nashua and Keene have now installed medication disposal units to help facilitate proper and timely disposal of opioids, and other medications that could be misused if left in people’s homes.

According to CVS, the new medication disposal units have been installed inside CVS Pharmacy locations at 242 Main Street in Nashua and 268 West Street in Keene. These disposal units will supplement the 15 additional units CVS Health has donated to police departments across the state.

“Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care professionals in the community, where we have witnessed the impacts of the epidemic of opioid addiction and misuse,” said Thomas G. Davis, R.Ph., Vice President of Professional Services for CVS Health. “Expanding our safe medication disposal efforts and funding community organizations in New Hampshire is an extension of our commitment to address and prevent opioid abuse in the communities we serve and fulfill our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”

In Sept. 2017, CVS announced it would be combating opiate abuse by tightening up controls in their stores. As part of that effort, the company also said it would enhance opioid utilization management aligned with CDC Guideline for CVS Caremark clients and members, complementing measures already in place.

CVS also committed more than $60,000 in funding to three New Hampshire non-profit organizations also working to address and prevent opioid abuse:

SOS Recovery Community Organization, Somersworth, New Hampshire – a program of Goodwin Community Health, SOS Recovery has received $20,000 from CVS Health to build capacity for current peer recovery coaches as well as recruit, train, and certify new recovery coaches to better serve individuals seeking services in Strafford County.

Hope on Haven Hill, Rochester, New Hampshire – a substance use treatment organization serving homeless, pregnant and newly parenting mothers who are in recovery, Hope on Haven Hill has received a $10,000 grant from CVS Health to train staff and volunteers to assist New Hampshire women obtain recovery and find new coping skills while becoming a new parent.

Concord Hospital Trust, Concord, New Hampshire – has received a $30,000 grant from CVS Health to further implement consistent SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) screenings in their Concord Hospital Medical Group primary care practices. The grant will also provide practice staff with professional development opportunities and training around the stigma associated with addiction and mental illness.