CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Rite Aid Foundation announced today the rollout of its KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, a new program focused on reducing drug accessibility, medication misuse and accidental poisoning among children and adolescents. Funded by The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program, the program provides law enforcement agencies in communities served by Rite Aid with free medication disposal units for individuals to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Spokane Mayor David Condon and Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl will officially launch the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program at a press conference today at 10:30 a.m. at the Spokane Police Department’s Downtown Precinct at 221 W. First Ave.

“Through KidCents and by working with local law enforcement agencies, we’ve come up with a solution to help address drug abuse and accidental poisonings, both of which pose a serious threat to the health, safety and well-being of our nation’s young people,” said Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad. “Initial feedback from law enforcement agencies in our pilot markets has been positive and we continue to see strong interest in our program. We look forward to partnering with law enforcement agencies to bring disposal units to the communities we serve, truly delivering on The Rite Aid Foundation’s mission of improving the health and wellbeing of kids.”

“The cycle of addiction and drug abuse is heartbreaking. It's something I continue to hear about as I meet with people all across Eastern Washington,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “No one can fight this battle alone–nor should they have to. Solving this problem in our community will take the collaboration of local government, law enforcement, and outreach and advocacy groups. I applaud The Rite Aid Foundation for developing the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program and bringing it here to Spokane to help fight back against addiction and drug abuse in our community.”

As part of The Rite Aid Foundation’s initial rollout of the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, the Spokane Police Department received three medication disposal units, which are located inside the Public Safety Building at 1100 West Mallon Ave., the Spokane Police North Precinct at 5124 North Market St., and the Spokane Police Downtown Precinct at 221 W. First Ave. The units are available during business hours for people to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

“Enhancing community safety has been a critical focus, and with Chief Meidl, we’ve worked hard to improve the quality of life for Spokane residents,” said Spokane Mayor David Condon. “The fact that The Rite Aid Foundation chose Spokane to officially launch its Safe Medication Disposal Program is a testament to the tremendous progress we’ve made so far in making Spokane safer, smarter and healthier.”

“Providing our residents with places to easily and safely dispose of unused medication is one more way we can fight drug abuse in our city and ultimately, make Spokane a safer place,” said Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl. “We are proud to partner with KidCents and The Rite Aid Foundation to create a safer environment for our children, families and community.”

Currently, more than 40 law enforcement agencies across the country participate in the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, with 76 units available in 14 states.

Any law enforcement agency located in a community served by Rite Aid can now apply to participate in the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program. Selected law enforcement agencies will receive high-quality, stainless steel medication disposal units to keep in their locations, as well as initial start-up supplies. In addition, shipping, delivery, and installation is free. To apply, visit www.riteaid.com/meddisposal.

In addition to the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, Rite Aid has also added resources on drug safety and disposal to www.riteaid.com. Visitors can search for a disposal site in their community, learn how to properly dispose of medication at home, access resources provided by the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency and find information on treatment for drug abuse and addiction. In communities with KidCents Safe Medication Disposal units, Rite Aid pharmacies in the surrounding area have brochures that list the locations of participating police departments.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with more than 4,500 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.

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