Walmart Launches 'Safe & Well' Website
Walmart has launched a new website that's an interactive learning solution with access to prescription drug safety and mental health resources. The Safe & Well website is free to anyone through Walmart's relationship with Washington, D.C.-based social-impact education innovator Everfi Inc.
"We are seeing people struggle with unprecedented levels of personal stress and restricted access to support networks in communities across the country as a result of the pandemic, which can ultimately compromise health and many other important aspects of people’s lives," said Dr. Thomas Van Gilder, Walmart’s chief medical officer. "Our hope is that the new Safe & Well tool will be an accessible and valuable source of information for people at risk of prescription drug misuse and those who care about them."
Safe & Well uses videos, interactive scenarios and self-guided activities covering topics like:
- Reading and understanding a prescription bottle label and medication guide
- Responsible use, storage and disposal of prescription medication
- Recognizing opioid misuse and opioid use disorder
- Mental health awareness
- Strategies for seeking support for a mental health challenge
- Coping techniques
Walmart noted a recent CDC survey in which nearly 31% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, and 13% said that they had started or increased substance use “to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19" as an impetus for the new resource.
Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart operates more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27 countries, and e-commerce websites, employing 2.2 million-plus associates worldwide. Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer's list of the top food retailers in North America, while Walmart-owned Sam's Club ranks No. 9 on the list.
