New initiative aims to end opioid crisis in Utah
RIVERTON, UT (KUTV) — New players helping to fight the opioid epidemic in Utah launched a new product hoping it kicks the crisis to the curb.
State Attorney General Sean Reyes and Utah's Opioid Task Force were part of the unveiling ceremony of the new product on Thursday morning.
They believe a purple-colored solution is a solution. The initiative is focused on eliminating stockpiling, which fuels the opioid epidemic. It’s the only method in the United States that instantly destroys any drug and is not retrievable.
Riverton City officials partnered with the Utah-based company, Narcx, a couple of months ago for a few thousand dollars. The new product is being rolled out at locations throughout Riverton.
The kiosks will be put in place next week at city government buildings, including police departments and fire departments.
Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs said he sees the problem sweeping through his city and he wasn't going to wait for the state or federal governments to step in.
“Each pill can go on the black market for $80 or more," the mayor said, "By getting rid of some of the oversupply we have that I believe will result in saving lives.”
It’s environmentally friendly and has similar side effects as food poisoning.
Small bottles are available at Riverton Hospital for people to have in their home.
As of Thursday morning, the hospital had 1,000 bottles to give away for free.
