There has been a dramatic increase of misuse or abuse of controlled substance narcotic medications over the years. Pharmacy robberies have also been a challenge and these are the reasons why CVS Health Corp (NYSE:CVS) is seeking ways to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic. The company is already rolling out the use of time delay safes in every CVS Pharmacy in three markets; Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.
Controlled substance narcotic medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone are highly sought after by robbers and addicts. However, the time delay tactic will make it difficult for them to access the safes because it will require entering a code to open and this can only be done by an employee.
The timed delayed safes are already working in some locations
Indiana has been using the safes since 2015 and there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of pharmacy robberies according to the Director of Area Lost Prevention at CVS, Nathan Watson. He outlines that they have had a 70% drop in robberies.
CVS says that it has installed the time delay safes in more than 170 locations in the three markets and will soon introducing the safes in central and southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. “We believe that time delay safes, combined with other security policies and procedures in place at our stores, will…ensure that our stores remain a safe environment for shopping and filling prescriptions,” says Area Vice President of CVS Pharmacy in Ohio, Alisa Ulrey.
Community education to help in addressing prescription drug abuse
The number of overdose deaths have been historically high and particularly in Montgomery County according to Sheriff Phil Plummer. CVS Health has extended its commitment to fighting this by introducing community education as well as encouraging safe disposal of unused medication.
The company’s Pharmacists Teach program, which has had the participation of more than 250,000 students across the country, is expected to give a new lease of life. The program is meant to educate students about the risks of prescription drug abuse. Meanwhile, CVS’ stock closed at $78.16 witnessing an increase of $0.26 or 0.33%.