Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Launches Lock It. Drop It. Save Lives. Campaign
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- 4 hours ago
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OBN Launches "Lock It. Drop It. Save Lives." Campaign Across Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) has launched a new statewide public awareness campaign encouraging Oklahomans to safely store and properly dispose of prescription medications in an effort to reduce drug misuse, accidental poisonings and overdose deaths.
The campaign, titled "Lock It. Drop It. Save Lives.", comes as health officials report that as many as 70% of prescription medications go unused, leaving potentially dangerous drugs accessible inside homes. OBN officials say securely storing medications and safely disposing of expired or unwanted prescriptions are simple steps that can protect families and save lives.
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Launches Medication Safety Campaign
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control says the campaign focuses on three straightforward actions every household can take.
Residents are encouraged to:
Lock It by storing prescription medications in a secure location out of the reach and sight of children and away from anyone for whom the medication was not prescribed.
Drop It by safely disposing of expired or unused medications at an official OBNDD prescription drug take-back location or community collection event.
Save Lives by preventing prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings and illegal diversion of medications.
OBN Director Donnie Anderson said responsible medication storage begins at home.
He encouraged families to keep medications locked away, take prescriptions only as directed by healthcare providers and routinely remove medications that are no longer needed.
The agency notes that reducing the number of unused medications inside homes decreases opportunities for theft, misuse and accidental exposure.
Prescription Drug Take-Back Locations Available Year-Round
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics maintains permanent prescription drug take-back boxes across the state where residents can safely dispose of unwanted medications throughout the year.
Officials say these secure collection sites provide an environmentally responsible alternative to throwing medications in the trash or flushing them into wastewater systems.
In addition to permanent drop-off locations, OBNDD will host Prescription Drug Take-Back events across Oklahoma during October.
The agency also reminded residents that National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for October 24, 2026, but Oklahomans do not have to wait until that date to safely dispose of medications.
Residents can locate permanent collection boxes and upcoming take-back events through the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, while additional campaign information is also available through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which both promote safe medication disposal nationwide.
Campaign Aims To Protect Oklahoma Families
As part of the statewide campaign, Oklahomans will begin seeing "Lock It. Drop It. Save Lives." messages on billboards, digital advertisements and community outreach materials.
OBN officials hope the campaign encourages residents to make medication safety a routine part of protecting their families.
The agency also reminds the public never to share prescription medications, always follow directions provided by healthcare professionals and regularly inspect medicine cabinets for expired or unused prescriptions.
Officials say every medication safely removed from a home is one less opportunity for misuse, diversion or accidental poisoning. By combining safe storage, responsible use and proper disposal, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control believes communities across the state can help reduce preventable overdoses and improve public safety for families of all ages.
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