Release date: 7/30/2019
(RALEIGH) More Powerful NC, a public private partnership formed to fight the opioid epidemic, and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy today announced a partnership to confront prescription opioid misuse. The Board of Pharmacy will provide pharmacies with new prescription drug labels (see attached photo) that encourage patients to safely dispose of unneeded medication. The Board of Pharmacy will also provide bag stuffer handouts in several sizes that pharmacists, pharmacies, and North Carolinians can download for more information about how to prevent opioid misuse.
“Too many people use their friends’ and families’ medicine cabinets to create or fuel addiction,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “The Board of Pharmacy educational resources will help patients safely dispose of unneeded medication so that it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about what they can do to confront this crisis to visit www.MorePowerfulNC.org to learn more. Together, we are more powerful than this epidemic.”
Board of Pharmacy member Ashley Duggins agreed. “Pharmacists are doing their part to educate, protect, and empower their patients when it comes to proper medication use and disposal. The Board is pleased to join with More Powerful NC and provide resources that advance this crucial mission.”
More Powerful NC is a bipartisan, public private partnership led by Attorney General Josh Stein and the Department of Justice, Secretary Mandy Cohen and the Department of Health and Human Services, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Atrium Health, UNC Health Care, LabCorp, AT&T, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Governor’s Institute, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Dozens of other organizations, including the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the North Carolina Healthcare Association, the North Carolina League of Municipalities, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, the North Carolina Chamber, the North Carolina Bankers Association, the North Carolina High School Athletics Association, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, and the Alcohol and Drug Council of North Carolina, among others, have signed on as partners in support of the campaign.
Examples of the new prescription labels are available here.
Examples of the bag stuffer handouts are available here.
Contact:
Laura Brewer (919) 716-6484