The Beckham County Drug Prevention Coalition reminds readers that there are three easy things you can do to prevent accidental poisonings and overdose deaths. First, only take medications that are prescribed for you and at the recommended times and dosages. Second, keep medications stored securely, and lastly, dispose of unused or expired medications safely. To help readers store their medication securely, the Beckham County Coalition offers FREE MEDICATION LOCK BOXES. And to help dispose of unused or expired medications safely, we offer FREE AT-HOME DISPOSAL KITS. These items can be picked up locally from Coalition members and partners.
The Beckham County Health Department’s locations in Sayre and Elk City, the Office of Juvenile Affairs in Elk City, the Senior Nutrition Center in Sayre, and the Department of Human Services office in Sayre all have lock boxes and disposal kits available. Please visit one of these locations during their regular business hours and ask how you can get these free resources. For information on signs and symptoms of Opioid overdose, how to safeguard yourself and your family, and where to find help and treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, please visit www. okimready.org You can also contact the Beckham County Coalition to learn more about efforts happening locally to prevent and decrease Opioid use. To learn more about the Coalition, please search for us on Facebook @drugpreventionbeckham, or call 580-5625043 and ask for Steve. The Beckham County Drug Prevention Coalition is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The grant is administered by South Western Oklahoma Development Authority in Burns Flat.