Free gifts that could save a life: Lockboxes, Medication Disposal Bags, Narcan

Medications should always be stored safely, but with the holidays here, you need to take extra precautions to make sure your prescriptions are not falling into the wrong hands. With family and friends visiting, keeping your medicines stored in a lockbox and out of reach of others is a good way to prevent medication misuse.

"Whether you are home, or are going away for the holidays, keeping your medications secured helps prevent an accidental poisoning and ensures it is only taken by the person who it is prescribed for," said Gina Olheiser, Wichita Mountains Prevention Network Community Coordinator.

It is a good idea to safely dispose of your medications that have expired, or you no longer need. WMPN has free lockboxes, and free medication disposal bags available to use at home, which break down your medication so you can safely throw it away. In Stephens County, there are drop-off locations to dispose of your unneeded medicines: They are: Marlow Police Department, 115 N. 2[nd] St., Marlow; and in Duncan - Duncan Regional Hospital (located in the emergency department) -1407 Whisenant Drive; Duncan Police Department -720 W. Willow; R&S Drug #3, 3117 US-81 (Elk Plaza); Stephens County Sheriff's Department, 101 N. 11[th] St. (courthouse); and in Comanche, Thompson's Pharmacy, 512 Hillery Rd. Unit B.

If you know someone who is taking an opioid medication, it is a good idea to keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand in case of an unintentional overdose. Narcan can rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose. Giving Narcan to someone can give emergency response time to get there and can save a life. You can get Narcan delivered free to your home by texting 55155. To learn more about Narcan and opioids, please visit https://narcan.com/opioid-education.

Marie Detty Youth & Family Services in Duncan is a Narcan Hub., you can stop by and get a free kit. They are located at 1016 West Maple Duncan, OK.

If you would like a free lockbox, or medication disposal bag, or need resources, please contact Gina Olheiser, 580-439-4676 or Brian Webb, 580-251-0992.

Wichita Mountains Prevention Network (WMPN) is a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe communities through promoting proven substance abuse prevention strategies among teens and adults. WMPN is grant funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more information on any of our services & medication safety, please contact Community Based Prevention Coordinator Gina Olheiser at golheiser@wmpn.org, and follow WMPN on Facebook.