April 16, 2018
AmerisourceBergen Foundation Donates 55,000 Drug Deactivation Resources to Communities Nationwide to Combat Opioid Epidemic
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- As part of its ongoing commitment to help mitigate prescription drug abuse, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation has distributed nearly 55,000 drug deactivation resources to communities across the country to enable and encourage the safe disposal of unused prescription medications.
Unintended access to expired, unwanted or unused medicines continues to be a leading cause of opioid misuse. According to recent reports, nearly 40 percent of those who have misused prescription pain medications over the past five years obtained the drugs from a friend or a relative for free. The disposable resources donated through the AmerisourceBergen Foundation Municipal Support Program contain ingredients, which – when combined with water – permanently deactivate opioids, rendering them ineffective and providing a safe and environmentally friendly solution for disposal.
“We are encouraged by the immediate reach and impact of the grant program, and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the communities where we live and work with the critical resources needed to help drive sustained change and combat the epidemic of opioid misuse,” said Gina Clark, President of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation who is also Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Administration Officer at AmerisourceBergen.
Since the launch of the Municipal Support Program in December 2017, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation has donated drug deactivation resources at no cost to 17 counties, municipalities and organizations spanning six states: Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Texas. In addition to the municipal donations, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation also sent resources to Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster. Americares is distributing the deactivation pouches to free clinics and community health centers nationwide serving low-income and uninsured patients in need.
AmerisourceBergen recently joined Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and local law enforcement officials, to introduce the free drug deactivation resources to the towns of Stanley, Belmont, Rutherfordton and Shelby, North Carolina.
“The opioid epidemic is devastating families and communities all across the country, including western North Carolina. We must take action to end this crisis. Collaboration between companies like AmerisourceBergen and local communities like the town of Stanley are crucial in the fight against the opioid epidemic. I am thankful for the efforts of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation and their donation to the town of Stanley and other communities here in the Tenth District as they work to end opioid abuse,” said Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (NC-10).
“Opioid abuse is a significant issue in our community,” Stanley Police Chief Derek Summey said. “As a small, rural community, we need support from stakeholders at the national and state-level to ensure we have sufficient resources to combat this issue. We appreciate the AmerisourceBergen Foundation’s donation and ongoing efforts, as these deactivation resources will enable us to help reduce the risk of opioid abuse and misuse in our community.”
The municipal support program is a core component of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation’s multi-pronged approach to combating opioid abuse. In recent months, the Foundation has announced a number of new partnerships and grants with the goal of providing communities with the critical resources and support needed to help prevent opioid misuse, abuse and diversion.
Municipal entities or not-profits interested in applying for the drug deactivation resources or learning more about the program can visit the AmerisourceBergen Foundation website at www.amerisourcebergenfoundation.org.
About the AmerisourceBergen Foundation
The AmerisourceBergen Foundation is an independent not-for-profit charitable giving organization established by AmerisourceBergen Corporation to support health-related causes that enrich that global community. The Foundation aims to improve the health and well-being of its patient populations – both human and animal – by investing in its communities. Through strategic partnerships and community collaboration, the Foundation works to expand access to quality healthcare and provide resources to ensure prescription drug safety. For more information, visit www.amerisourcebergenfoundation.org.
About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen provides pharmaceutical products, value-driving services and business solutions that improve access to care. Tens of thousands of healthcare providers, veterinary practices and livestock producers trust us as their partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Global manufacturers depend on us for services that drive commercial success for their products. Through our daily work—and powered by our 20,000 associates—we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #11 on the Fortune 500, with more than $150 billion in annual revenue. The company is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa. and has a presence in 50+ countries. Learn more at amerisourcebergen.com.