New partnerships expand locking-bag program’s impact on opioid misuse prevention
HCA's Starts with One Pharmacy Safe Storage Program reached more people than ever this year with critical information and tools to prevent opioid misuse in Washington. In just four months, the program’s 76 pharmacy partners engaged nearly 6,000 patients with opioid prescriptions in conversations about safe medication storage, secured more than 1,800 pledges to lock up medications, and distributed over 2,300 free medication locking bags across the state.
The addition of Fred Meyer, the first major pharmacy chain to participate in the initiative, was key to this year’s expansion. The retailer’s 60 Washington pharmacies joined 16 independent pharmacies to provide patients who receive opioid prescriptions with a free medication locking device and educational resources on safe opioid use.
"As part of our commitment to helping people live healthier lives, we’re proud to participate in this program and provide free locking bags to patients with opioid prescriptions—empowering safer communities through compassionate care and responsible pharmacy practice," said Kayla Hensley, Division Health Leader at Fred Meyer.
Since its launch in 2020, the Pharmacy Safe Storage Program—part of the Starts with One statewide opioid misuse prevention campaign—has partnered with approximately 10 to 17 independent pharmacies each year to encourage patients to store their opioid prescriptions securely. In previous years, participating pharmacies collectively engaged an average of 800 patients annually in the program. With the addition of Fred Meyer in 2025, the program saw an over 620% increase in patient engagement. This significant expansion allowed the program to reach more communities across Washington with life-saving information and resources that help reduce opioid overdose deaths.
When a patient is given a locking bag through the program, the pharmacist asks them to make a pledge to lock up their opioid prescriptions. This aspect of the program is based on the research-backed idea that when someone makes a personal commitment—or a pledge—to take a specific action, they are significantly more likely to follow through.
“As a local independent pharmacy, we pride ourselves on providing patient-specific care,” said Carson Huntoon RPh, Hoagland Pharmacy Director. “This program is a great tool to meet patients where they’re at and keep the community safe.”
According to evaluation data, the program is successfully driving behavior change. In 2025, 85% of participating patients reported that they are now likely or very likely to lock up their medications.
The program plans to continue expanding its reach to support more pharmacies across Washington in promoting responsible medication storage and preventing opioid misuse in their communities. The next round of the program is planned to begin in the spring.
Learn more about the Pharmacy Safe Storage Program and Starts with One campaign.