The Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is piloting a program to put medication locking devices into the hands of those who need them.
Communities across Washington are expanding access to free medication locking devices through a new program designed to increase safe storage of prescription opioids.
The Medication Safe Storage pilot program encourages safe medication storage habits by providing treatment and recovery centers, therapeutic courts, prevention coalitions, nonprofits and other providers/prescribers with free locking devices and educational materials to distribute directly to community members. The pilot program is part of HCA’s Starts with One prescription opioid misuse prevention campaign.
Safe storage of medication can prevent misuse, theft, or accidental ingestion by children or pets. Since its launch in November 2024, the program has seen great success, receiving orders from 55 organizations across 19 counties in Washington and distributing over 2,000 locking bags and 1,000 locking boxes to various organizations and their communities.
The simple step of locking up your medication can help keep families, loved ones, and communities safe. Learn more about the program and how to receive free locking devices.