Regence BlueShield partners with Truth208, Albertsons/Sav-on for drug disposal in Idaho

As part of Regence’s ongoing efforts to combat opioid abuse, we encourage the safe disposal of unneeded prescription medications. A key piece of that effort in Idaho is a partnership with Truth208, a statewide organization with a campaign titled, “Straight Talk About Medicine Abuse.” The campaign provides presentations to students, parents and seniors in an effort to reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Truth208 has produced nearly 1 million prescription drug disposal bags that include Regence branding and will be distributed throughout Idaho at Albertsons/Sav-on Pharmacies, among other local pharmacies. The sponsorship kicked off Friday, April 20, with an event in Boise, where bags were provided to Sav-on Pharmacy.

Truth208 aims to educate communities about quickly, safely and confidentially disposing of unused medication. Regence encourages this as well, as medications left in home medicine cabinets create a significant risk of abuse of opioids and other prescriptions.

“Cleaning out your medicine cabinet and discarding old or unused prescriptions is an important step to fight misuse of opioids,” said Dr. Kenneth Bramwell, Executive Medical Director of Regence BlueShield of Idaho. “Regence is proud to support Truth208 in providing Idahoans a way to safely dispose of unneeded medication.”   

Regence is committed to doing our part to decrease opioid abuse, while also supporting appropriate use for people who need opioids to manage pain. Our policies aim to decrease opioid abuse and provide better access for addicted people to medications and programs for overdose prevention and treatment. We are also striving to educate our communities and support local organizations like Truth208 that work to help prevent the spread of addiction.