Lock Your Meds Day 2025

Every year, the campaign known as Lock Your Meds Day draws attention to an often-overlooked pathway into prescription drug misuse: medications sitting unsecured in homes. Created and promoted by National Family Partnership (NFP) and its partners, the aim is to alert adults that they may-without realizing it-be come unwitting suppliers of misused medications. Lock You Meds Day is Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.

Why It Matters

1. Medications from home are a major source

   Studies consistently show that the majority of misused drugs originate not from street dealers, but from family, friends, or acquaintances. For example, lockyourmeds.org notes that "44.6% of people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends."

2. Consequences go beyond the individual

   When medication is misused, it's not just the user who is affected. It can lead to addiction, accidental overdose, impaired development (especially in teens), and unintended consequences for families and communities.

3. Prevention is straightforward-and largely in our control

   The good news: many of the preventative actions are practical and accessible. Locking medications, monitoring inventory, safely disposing of unused medication-all these steps are within the reach of most households.

How to Participate

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone with medications in your household, here are ways to engage on Lock Your Meds Day and every day.

At Home

• Take stock of all your prescription (and over-the-counter) medications. Review what you have and what's expired or no longer needed.

• Choose a secure location (preferably a locked box or cabinet) for medications. Many homes are unwitting suppliers because meds are just "accessible."

• Properly dispose of medications you no longer need. Don't just leave them around.

• Have a conversation with your children in your home about difference between medicine prescribed for you and misusing medicine not meant for them.

In Your Community or School

• Use the free downloadable resources from the Lock Your Meds website: posters, pledge forms, slideshows.

• Host an event: a community clinic, school assembly, or virtual gathering where you talk about medication safety and invite participants to "take the pledge."

• Partner with local pharmacies, clinics, or community organizations to promote messages around secure storage and disposal.

In Social Media & Awareness Campaign

• Post a snapshot of your locked medication cabinet, or of your pledge, using hashtag #LockYourMedsDay (or any campaign tag provided) to raise visibility.

• Encourage others to take the pledge with you.

Lock Your Meds Day isn't just another awareness date-it's a reminder that prevention starts at home. By taking simple, proactive steps-locking up medicines, disposing of unused ones, talking to family-you help safeguard not just your household but your community.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, pharmacist, or simply someone who has medications in the house, you are part of the solution. The moment is now: take the pledge, lock your meds, spread the word, and help protect the next generation from avoidable harm.

The pledge and additional resources can be found at the website Lock Your Meds.