Safe Homes
A home is full of both safe and unsafe items for children. OCDPH’s Safe Homes campaign is working to make homes safer by encouraging conversation among families, offering tools for locking up potentially dangerous or deadly items, and sharing information about where to throw away unused over-the-counter and prescription medication for free.
Accidental contact with prescription medication, cannabis, and other substances can land a child in the emergency room. According to the CDC, this happens to approximately 35,000 children in the United States every year.
Safe Homes provides locking bags for the safe storage of medication, cannabis, and other substances that need to be kept away from children. Through a partnership with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Veterans Administration, OCDPH is providing a limited number of gun locks so that individuals and families can consider locking up lethal means which may be used in a suicide attempt.
Community Resources
- Talk Sooner.org – Information for parents about how to talk to teens about drug use.
- Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (OSAP) – Resources focused on preventing substance use disorders.
- Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Coalition – Provides information about suicide crisis intervention and mental health resources and support groups.
- Call211.org – Free service connecting Ottawa County residents to community resources for things like food, rent and utility assistance, mental health services, employment needs, and more. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can also be accessed by phone by calling 2-1-1.
Medication Disposal
One of the best ways to prevent curious hands from accessing unused meds is to dispose of them once you are done taking them. It is especially important to dispose of unused pain medications as they are often involved in accidental or intentional misuse. Use our map to find local pharmacies and police departments who will take back your unused medications.
TIPS FOR
DISCUSS
Have Open & Honest Conversations
Safe storage is a first step. Communication is important too. Talk to kids about the health and legal risks of using prescription medication andother substances.
Be a Good Model for Youth
Model responsible behavior around substances and medications, and demonstrate making safe choices.
SECURE
Lock It Up
Young children may confuse marijuana products or medication for food or candy. Choose a safe and secure location out of reach of children. Change storage methods as children get older.
Accidental Ingestion
If a child does take drugs, call 911 or Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 for help.
DISPOSE
Dispose of Unused Medications
Unused medications are arisk and should be properly disposed. Be sure to properly dispose of any unused medications.
Medication Drop Off Points
View medication drop off locations here.