Table of Contents
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Lynne Fruth, president of Fruth Pharmacy, recently attended an event at the West Virginia State Capitol Building where she was honored for her company’s commitment to help prevent the sale of drugs used in the making of methamphetamine.
From left: Chris Chiles of Sen. Joe Manchin’s Office; Lynne Fruth, president of Fruth Pharmacy; and Dr. Brad Henry, chairman of Stop Meth Labs.
Earlier this year, Fruth Pharmacy participated in the “Our Children, Our Future” Policy Summit, where Fruth was asked to discuss the company’s decision to remove single-ingredient pseudoephedrine products from the 28-store chain. Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient used in making meth.
Fruth was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for Socially Responsible Actions to Combat Meth Labs in the State of West Virginia. “It is easy to think that one person cannot make a difference in the world today, but I still believe that individuals and companies can make a difference,” Fruth said in her speech. “I am proud that a small pharmacy chain like ours led the way to remove pseudoephedrine from all our stores.” This year, West Virginia saw a reduction in meth labs.
About two years ago, Fruth Pharmacy partnered with a company called Nexafed, which has worked to create medications that have meth-making deterrent properties. Nexafed turns into an unusable gel when one is attempting to make meth.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) has actively taken up the cause of stopping meth production in the state of West Virginia. He has contacted chief executives of major pharmacy chains and has encouraged them to follow Fruth Pharmacy’s suit in providing an alternative product that is ruined if someone tries to divert it to produce meth.
“The response our company received was nothing short of amazing. Our customers supported our decision and thanked us for taking such a bold step,” Fruth said.
CVS Health, Walgreens and Rite Aid Corp. have also taken steps to reduce their pseudoephedrine products.
