Prescription drug misuse is a prevalent and often fatal problem among youth and adults throughout Tennessee. Sixty-four percent of Tennesseans know someone who has become addicted to prescription pain medication*. Despite this alarming number, many individuals still think prescription medication addiction and misuse is a bigger risk for “other people,” and not their households.
When individuals do not properly use or store prescription medications, it creates an opportunity for drug misuse by Tennesseans of all ages.
Count It! Lock It! Drop It!® (CLD) is a community initiative supported by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. CLD empowers and educates individuals on how they can help prevent prescription drug misuse by properly counting, locking or disposing of prescription medications.
Count It!
Make it a goal to count your pills once every two weeks. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock It!
Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place that others would not think to look. According to two-thirds of Tennesseans, the main source of prescription pain pills are friends and relatives*. Protect your loved ones by purchasing lock boxes to securely store medications. If not used properly, prescription drugs can be as harmful and dangerous as illicit drugs.
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 local grocery stores and pharmacies.
Drop It!
Drop off your unused or expired medications for proper disposal at drop boxes located in participating law enforcement offices or pharmacies.
Take-Back Events
- Take-back events will be held in various locations throughout the year and provide you with another opportunity to properly dispose of your unused prescription medication.
- Find a take-back event near you here.
