Hy-Vee to install drug take back receptacles at all 276 locations

Hy-Vee announced it will install drug take back receptacles in all 276 locations and will be implementing a new opioid prescription initial fill policy.

The plan is for Hy-Vee to have all of its receptacles installed by Thursday to combat the opioid epidemic according to a press release. Hy-Vee is located in an eight-state region.

“Installing drug take back receptacles in all of our pharmacies is one more step Hy-Vee is taking toward combating the opioid epidemic,” senior vice president and chief health officer at Hy-Vee, Kristin Williams said.

Not only has Hy-Vee committed to installing the receptacles, they are changing the initial quantity of opioids prescribed for treatment of acute pain to seven days. Fewer days may be used if it is state law or a third-party payor requires it.

Although, the seven-day limit does not include chronic pain, pain being treated during cancer care, hospice or other end-of-life care, pain being treated as part of palliative care practices and medications used to treat opioid addiction is limited.

“We want to be part of the solution, while continuing to provide needed care for customers with acute pain and other severe pain management situations in communities throughout the eight states we serve,” Williams said.

The Newton Hy-Vee the drug take back receptacle has already been installed and is nestled right next to the pharmacy window. It is a green bin that is hard to miss as Newton is now continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give all the residents of Newton, whether they are a customer or not, a safe and secure place to put unused, unwanted drugs,” Newton Hy-Vee store manager Rick Morr said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com