Company pledges to continue measures in addressing the nation’s prescription drug abuse crisis
BENTONVILLE, Ark., 2017-Oct-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walmart, including its 5,300 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies, expressed support for the administration’s declaration of a public health emergency on opioids and reinforced the company’s commitment to be part of the solution to the epidemic.
“At Walmart, the health and safety of our patients is a critical priority, and we welcome the administration’s actions to bring attention and resources to the nation’s opioid issue – one that has devastated so many families and communities across America,” said Greg Foran, president and chief executive officer, Walmart U.S. “We stand ready to work with our nation’s leaders on a solution to combat prescription drug addiction and misuse.”
As a company, Walmart has taken steps to help address the prescription drug abuse problem, including:
- The company has comprehensive policies and training to help support its pharmacists in filling prescriptions only for legitimate medical purposes.
- The company supports the development and implementation of an industry-led nationwide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP); in the meantime, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacists have access to and are able to utilize their state’s PDMP system to help curb abuse.
- The company supports federal legislation on two key issues: to establish a seven-day supply limit for initial prescriptions issued for acute pain; to require all controlled substance prescriptions be issued electronically, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
- The company offers solutions for sale that allow its patients to properly dispose of prescription medication.
Additional measures will be implemented by the end of 2017, including:
- The company will have Naloxone behind its pharmacy counters for sale or for dispensing by a pharmacist in all states where pharmacy practice laws support its ability to do so.
- The company believes education on prescription drug abuse is a key part of the solution; as early as next week, Walmart will announce it has committed to help fund a multi-state program created by a leading education technology company that teaches youth about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our more than 11,600 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
SOURCE: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.