As we approach warmer weather, it’s time to put away our winter sweaters and clean out our closets. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Count It! Lock It! Drop It!™ ask that you also add your medicine cabinet to your spring cleaning list.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, 1,451 Tennesseans died from drug overdoses in 2015, and 72 percent of those deaths involved opioids, so it is very important to make sure your pills won’t end up in the wrong hands. If you or a family member are currently taking a prescription that you want to keep safe, check with your local coalition to see if a lock box is available to you for no charge. You can also purchase lock boxes at most local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Have medicine you’d like to get rid of? You can drop them off at any of the 200 drop boxes located across the state. You can also dispose of medications at the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, coming up on April 29. Pharmacies and police departments all over Tennessee will be providing a safe and convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted medicine. Use our drop box and event finder tool to find the location nearest you!

Learn more about the National Take-Back Initiative by visiting the Drug Enforcement Administration website.