Bartell’s commitment to controlled substance safety

SEATTLE – Bartell Drugs is committed to the safety of its customers, employees and the communities it serves. Because of the rapid rise in abuse of prescription controlled medications and the impact it has had throughout the community, Bartell’s has placed additional emphasis on a controlled substance policy with a commitment to helping reduce drug misuse and abuse. The policy reestablishes standard operating procedures and guidelines related to the receiving, storing, dispensing and record-keeping of controlled substances at Bartell’s. In addition to abiding by controlled substance policies put in place by the DEA, Bartell’s has also taken measures to discontinue sales of promethazine codeine at all pharmacies. This is an effort to deter theft.

As of this month, Bartell’s is also participating in the Washington State secure drug take-back program. This program is intended for the safe disposal of leftover and expired prescriptions.

“According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), two-thirds of teens who misused pain relievers in the past year say that they got them from family and friends. This is including their home’s medicine cabinets. It is important to safeguard medicine in the home. Safe storage and disposal of medications diminish opportunities for inappropriate access.” said Billy Chow, VP of Pharmacy for Bartell’s.

Customers can safely dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines including controlled substances at the following Bartell’s locations.