At the National Family Partnership, we believe that every parent, grandparent, educator, and community leader has the power to make a difference in a child’s life. And sometimes, that difference begins in the most unexpected place—your own medicine cabinet.
Through our Lock Your Meds® campaign, we’re empowering families to take practical, preventative action against one of today’s most underrecognized threats: youth access to prescription medications.
The Hidden Risk at Home
You might be surprised to learn that the majority of teens who misuse prescription drugs don’t get them from drug dealers—they get them from family and friends. Too often, medications are left unsecured, creating unintended opportunities for misuse.
As caregivers, we don’t always realize we’re potential “suppliers.” But we are. And the good news is—we can change that with a few mindful, proactive steps.
Lock Your Meds®: Prevention Starts at Home
Lock Your Meds® isn’t just a slogan—it’s a national prevention movement we launched to help adults reduce youth prescription drug misuse, beginning in the home. The campaign is designed to make taking action both easy and effective.
Here’s what you can do starting today:
🔐 Lock Medications Securely
Keep all prescription and over-the-counter meds in a safe, locked location. A lockbox, drawer, or cabinet that only adults can access helps prevent temptation or experimentation.
Purchase lockboxes here!
📋 Keep Track of Meds
Use our medication inventory card to stay aware of what you have, how much, and when it’s used. This keeps you informed—and discourages unauthorized access.
🗑 Dispose of Unused Meds
Don’t keep old medications “just in case.” Use local drop-off programs or recommended disposal methods to clear out what you no longer need.
Search for a location near you
💬 Talk Openly With Kids
Honest, age-appropriate conversations build trust. Talk about the dangers of prescription misuse and how to make safe choices.
National Movement, Local Impact
Lock Your Meds® is making a difference across the country thanks to our passionate network of families, educators, prevention coalitions, and community organizations. Together, we’ve seen what’s possible when awareness becomes action.
From schools and sports teams to local pharmacies and faith groups, partners are helping us reach more households with our message: Lock your meds. Protect your family. Strengthen your community.
Free Resources to Help You Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or community leader, you have access to tools that can make a lasting impact.
Explore all our resources at lockyourmeds.org and join thousands of families across the nation taking the first step toward prevention.
Protect What Matters Most
It’s easy to overlook the medications in our homes. But now more than ever, it’s crucial to lock them up, track them, and talk about them. These actions might feel small—but they have the power to prevent misuse, protect futures, and build safer, healthier communities.
We’re here to support you.
Together, we can keep our youth safe and our families strong.