Program Area: Drug Harm Reduction
Drug Poisoning Prevention
Dane County Safe Use and Storage
expect fentanyl
Be on the lookout for fentanyl, a powerful opioid, in counterfeit prescription medicines, cocaine, meth and other substances. Even if it looks safe, test for fentanyl, never use alone and have Narcan on hand.
O.A.K. Boxes
Overdose Aid Kits, or O.A.K. boxes, are first-aid kits for overdose situations. Supplies are available to use in an emergency or to keep on hand for future use.
They contain naloxone (Narcan), rescue breathing masks, fentanyl test strips, instructions on how to use Narcan, and other information and resources for those impacted by drugs.
Pick up Free Narcan and test strips at these locations
600 Williamson Street, Madison WI, 53703
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm | Call for additional hours.
Community Pharmacy
Free Fentanyl Test Strips made available by
Public Health Madison-Dane County
130 S Fair Oaks, Madison, WI 53704
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm
Safe Communities Recovery Coach 24-7 Helpline
Free Fentanyl Test Strips and Naloxone
To Schedule Pick Up or to talk to a recovery coach call 608-228-1278
Safe Drug Storage
Taking a regular ‘inventory’ of your prescription medications – whether they are for pain, sleep, anxiety, etc. – keeping them in a safe place and disposing of them properly can and does save lives.
Store your medications securely at home. Contact us for a free medication lock box at info@safercommunity.net
Safe Storage Considerations
- Do you have prescription medications in your home?
- Where do you store your prescription medications?
- Are your prescription medications kept in a safe place, out of reach of kids, family and guests?
- When was the last time you checked your medicine cabinet for expired prescription medications?
- Have you kept prescription medications after their expiration date?
- Have you kept unused prescription medications after your medical condition has been successfully treated?
- How long have you kept the unused prescription medications? More than 6 months? More than a year?
- Do you keep prescription medications in the original bottle with the label attached, and with the child-resistant cap secured?
what you should know
Tips for Safe Use Of Prescription Medications
- Tell your healthcare provider about ALL the medicines and supplements you take.
- Never take medication that is not prescribed to you.
- Never share your prescription medications.
- Never take your medications more often or in higher doses than prescribed or directed.
- Know the potentially harmful interactions of drinking alcohol while taking specific medications.
- Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications with depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or cold medicine can be dangerous.
- Properly dispose of all unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs – to include legally prescribed or over-the-counter medications – is not only dangerous, it is illegal.
Safe Drug Use in Your Home
Please consider the questions below to determine the safety of your home as it relates to safe use and storage of your prescription medications.
Safe Use:
- Do you tell your healthcare provider about ALL the medicines and supplements you take?
- Have you talked with your family members about the importance of not sharing your prescription medications?
- Have you talked with your family members about the importance of not taking others’ prescription medications?
- Do you keep track of how many pills are in your bottle so you are immediately aware if any are missing?
Tips for Safe Use Of Prescription Medications
- Tell your healthcare provider about ALL the medicines and supplements you take.
- Never take medication that is not prescribed to you.
- Never share your prescription medications.
- Never take your medications more often or in higher doses than prescribed or directed.
- Know the potentially harmful interactions of drinking alcohol while taking specific medications.
- Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications with depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or cold medicine can be dangerous.
- Properly dispose of all unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs – to include legally prescribed or over-the-counter medications – is not only dangerous, it is illegal.
Safe Storage Saves Lives
If you have any questions about the considerations listed above, please contact your medical provider to speak about specific ways you can more safely use and store your medications.
Being aware of the best practices to secure and store your medication can save lives. Always make sure to be aware of how you’re storing your medication, who could get access to it and when medications expire. Talk to your healthcare provider for any further questions or concerns relating to your prescription medication storage and safety.
For a free medication lock box, contact us at info@safercommunity.net
Safe Communities is not a counseling or crisis center and does not provide direct services. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
RESOURCES
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