By: Caty Davis, Miss Tennessee 2017
I recently had the opportunity to visit Tennessee’s Capitol Hill alongside BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Count It! Lock It! Drop It! (CLD). On The Hill, I spoke with a number of incredible state leaders about CLD’s mission and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day coming up on Saturday, April 28.
Additionally, I was able to share my story and talk about my family’s struggle with addiction. My family has seen firsthand the effects of addiction – I lost my father and brother to this disease. But, my experience has fueled my passion for educating people about medication safety, reducing the stigma associated with addiction and how we can all do our part to help combat the opioid crisis in our great state.
My main message for lawmakers and Tennesseans? Don’t be an accidental drug dealer. Most people’s medicine cabinets have a number of items that could potentially be harmful if they fall into the wrong hands. I strongly believe we have a responsibility as a community to take the following steps:
- Count your medications once every two weeks to prevent theft and ensure medications are taken properly.
- Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place where others would not think to look.
- Drop off your unused or expired medications at a local drop box or at a take-back event.
I hope you will stand with me in this fight and participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28. There are more than 150 events happening across the state! Find the event nearest you by using CLD’s event finder!
Miss Tennessee with state Rep. Glen Casada and state Rep. Ron Grant.
Miss Tennessee with Scott Wilson, director, Community Relations and Health Foundations for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
Miss Tennessee with Speaker of the House Beth Harwell.
Miss Tennessee talking about the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Miss Tennessee with Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.
