Cherokee Nation and Grand Nation Launch Rx Drug Lock Box Project

  Grand Nation, Inc. is honored to be one of 11 communities participating in the Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnership for Success (SPF-PFS) and Strategic Prevention Framework-Rx (SPF-Rx) lock box project. As part of a Safe Storage initiative, each of the 11 Community Action Networks will partner with local pharmacies to increase awareness of opioid misuse/abuse and to distribute 108 prescription lock boxes per community.

  Data indicates the majority of teens taking opioids not prescribed to them by a doctor obtain the prescription medications from friends or at home. The Center for Disease Control recommends discussing the “risks to household members and other individuals if opioids are intentionally or unintentionally shared with others for whom they are not prescribed, including the possibility that others might experience overdose at the same or at lower dosage than prescribed for the patient.”

  For the safe use, safe storage and safe disposal of prescription medication, Grand Nation offers these tips:

• Organize and keep careful track of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Keep stronger medicines separate from items more commonly found in medicine cabinets, keep medicines in the original bottle or container that it came in and never mix medications in the same bottle.
• As outlined by the National Safety Council, opioid medications need to be stored securely, preferably locked up just the way you would if you keep a firearm in your home. To protect those you love, choose a location in your house that is out of reach and out of sight of children and visitors.
  
• Install a lock on medicine cabinets or use a locking medicine safe which has been properly installed. Return medication to the secure location after every use and avoid leaving medication or pill containers on countertops, tables or nightstands in open view where they can be easily accessed by others.
• Do not keep loose pills in easily opened plastic bags or containers in your purse, luggage or office drawer. Locking travel cases are available to carry prescription medicines.

  The Lock Box Project will begin by providing inserts for local pharmacies to include in each opioid prescription. The inserts describe the local projects and how community members can obtain a MedSafe, electronic lock box, at no cost while supplies last. Upon receiving the lock box, community members will be educated on that purpose and use of the lock box. Recipients of the lock boxes will complete a short survey when they receive the MedSafe and complete a follow-up survey three months after the lock box has been received.

  Upon the launch of the Lock Box Project in February, each community’s partnering pharmacies will be listed on the Think SMART Oklahoma website, (http://thinksmartok.org/safe-solutions). For Craig County, information on the project may be found at www.grandnation.org.

  Think SMART Oklahoma is sponsored by Community Action Network, which receives funding via the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success and Rx Grants provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

  ABOUT GRAND NATION

  Grand Nation is a nonprofit grassroots coalition that has been serving the Grand Lake area since 2012. An umbrella organization for a number of different programs, Grand Nation joins families seeking a better life with the resources and community organizations that can help them achieve their goal. Located at 120 E. Illinois, Suite 306, in Vinita, Grand Nation serves the communities of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, including Vinita, Grove, Jay, Afton, Ketchum, Langley, Miami, Bluejacket and Spavinaw. The phone number is (918) 276-2192.