Kroger Health Advances Drug Safety Education for Youth
Kroger Health, the healthcare segment of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), recently celebrated a significant achievement by supporting over 250,000 students in completing its innovative drug safety program, Prescription Drug Safety: Know the Truth. This initiative is part of Kroger Health's steadfast commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing awareness around the safe use, storage, and disposal of prescription medications. The program is provided at no cost to middle and high schools through a strategic partnership with Everfi, a leading organization in personal finance and essential life-skills education.
Making a Meaningful Impact
Since partnering with Everfi in 2018, Kroger Health has developed a comprehensive curriculum aimed at supporting young individuals in making informed health decisions. The program aims to reduce the misuse of prescription drugs among young adults. Participation has dramatically increased from around 700 students during the 2017-18 academic year to nearly 65,000 students in the recent academic term, indicating growing interest and awareness.
Building Healthier Futures
According to pre- and post-assessment scores, students who complete the program feel better equipped to help peers who may face challenges related to prescription drug misuse. Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, shared, "Equipping students with vital knowledge and skills promotes better decision-making and fosters resilience within communities. We're proud to contribute to a brighter future by helping young people recognize the signs of drug abuse and misuse."
Community Collaboration for Success
Ray Martinez, CEO of Everfi, expressed pride in the collaboration, emphasizing the impressive achievement in reaching 250,000 students. "Kroger Health's commitment to drug safety education illustrates the profound influence businesses can have when they invest in community wellness. This milestone reflects our shared dedication to empowering young people with the essential information needed to make informed decisions regarding prescription medications," he stated.
About Kroger and Kroger Health
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) operates with a purpose to 'Feed the Human Spirit™'. The company employs over 400,000 associates who serve more than 11 million customers daily through its e-commerce platform and diverse retail food stores. Kroger is committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities, uplifting the nation through its food-related initiatives.
Kroger Health stands as a prominent figure in America's retail healthcare landscape, attending to over 17 million patients each year. With a strong network of over 2,200 pharmacies across 35 states and more than 220 clinics in eight states, the organization focuses on providing essential healthcare services. Their team of 23,000 healthcare practitioners, including pharmacists and nurse practitioners, emphasize 'food as medicine' to help prevent diseases and promote healthier living.
About Everfi
Launched in 2008, Everfi has become a vital link between businesses and communities through essential education and skill-building initiatives. The organization provides digital and offline resources for personal finance and life skills education across K-12 schools and wider communities. Numerous organizations, from financial institutions to healthcare systems, leverage Everfi's resources to achieve measurable outcomes beneficial to learners and communities alike. For further insights, visit Everfi’s official site or engage with them across social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Kroger Health's drug safety program?
Kroger Health’s drug safety program, Prescription Drug Safety: Know the Truth, educates students about the safe use and disposal of prescription medications.
2. How many students have participated in the program?
Over 250,000 students have successfully completed the program since its inception.
3. What impact does the program have on students?
Students report feeling more knowledgeable and prepared to support peers facing prescription drug misuse issues.
4. Who partners with Kroger Health for this program?
Kroger Health collaborates with Everfi to provide education that promotes informed decision-making among students.
5. Why is this program important?
The program raises awareness about the risks associated with prescription drugs and aims to prevent misuse among young individuals.
