Medication Lock Box Initiative

Medication Lock Box Initiative

August 11, 2015 - CHAMBERSBURG, PA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Pennsylvania as 7^th in the nation for drug-related overdoses.  Nearly 3,000 state residents have died from heroin and opioid abuse.  Overdose deaths have increased by 470 percent over the last two decades.  In light of these alarming statistics, the Franklin/Fulton County Drug & Alcohol Program and Franklin County LINK have collaborated in efforts to curb these trends.

Prescription medication overdose, medication theft and medication misuse can be prevented.  The Medication Lock Box Initiative is designed to improve educational awareness for both providers and consumers regarding medication safety for households at-risk for medication theft.  The purpose of the lock box is for individuals to store their medications safely from theft and misuse by others.  The community can only benefit from individuals consistently locking up and properly storing their medications.  When medications are only accessible to the prescribed individual, it is less likely that the medications will be stolen, diverted or misused.

The medication lock boxes will also include a packet that contains the following information:   guidelines for distribution, proper medication disposal methods, local disposal locations and substance use treatment service options.

If you have questions about accessing services for the disabled or elderly, call LINK at 717-261-0631 for more information.  If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please contact the Franklin/Fulton County Drug & Alcohol Program at 717-263-1256 for more information.

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