By: Caty Davis, Miss Tennessee 2017

Some of my fondest childhood memories, especially those spent with my father, revolve around football. Like many households, the Super Bowl was always a big deal at his house.

Most years, we visited the homes of family friends to watch the game together. One year, we even bussed the Knoxville-area Rescue Mission to our church to watch the Super Bowl on big screens. This was when my father was the music leader at Powell United Methodist Church.

I have nothing but great memories of spending Super Bowl Sunday with my father and close friends. As you welcome family and loved ones into your home to watch the big game, please don’t accidentally share your prescription medications.

Count It! Lock It! Drop It!^® recommends three easy steps anyone can take to keep their prescription medications secure.

• Count your pills at least every two weeks to monitor theft and help ensure medications are taken properly;
• Lock and store medications in a secure place where others would not think to look; and
• Drop off unused or expired medications at drop boxes or during take-back events.

You may not think your friends and family will take your medications, but don’t bet their lives on it. Addiction has affected three generations of my family – including my father and half-brother. I know from experience just how dangerous a medicine cabinet can be.

Make the game-winning decision to protect your loved ones and don’t be an accidental drug dealer.