The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has announced a new educational initiative to empower Cincinnati area high school students with the skills to make safe and healthy decisions about prescription medications and understand the dangers of prescription drug misuse.
Kroger has partnered with education technology leader EVERFI, Inc. to provide the digital curriculum to Greater Cincinnati area schools at no cost. The interactive course uses an evidence-based, public health approach to empower students to protect themselves and others from prescription drug abuse and misuse. The program will be available in high schools in Butler, Hamilton , Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
“The opioid epidemic continues to impact our nation and Ohio and Kentucky have been particularly affected by this problem. With more than two million individuals with an addiction to prescription pain relievers, Kroger recognizes the importance of educating Americans on how to safely handle prescription drugs,” said Colleen Lindholz, President of Kroger’s Pharmacies and The Little Clinics.
“We’re proud to help proactively tackle this epidemic through digital education and to continue to help people live healthier lives.”
The Kroger Co. is dedicated its purpose to: Feed the Human Spirit.
In launching this program, Kroger joins the Prescription Drug Safety Network, the nation’s first public-private initiative to combat prescription drug abuse by providing prevention education in schools.
“Prescription drug abuse has dealt a devastating blow to communities across the country, yet there are few initiatives aimed at positively preventing the abuse before it occurs,” said EVERFI CEO Tom Davidson. “This network just got much stronger with the addition of Kroger. With their influence as community leaders their voices will help us make significant progress to combatting this crisis through prevention education that gets out in front of the problem.”
The digital learning experience covers topics such as the principles of addiction, proper prescription drug use and disposal, and how to step in when faced with a situation involving prescription drug misuse. The course is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control’s National Health Education Standards and state academic standards.
The Kroger Co. employs 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
