Opioid response effort equips pharmacy in Lacey with free lock tools 

The frontlines of a response to an opioid crisis now includes a Thurston County pharmacy, which is part of a statewide strategy to combat prescription misuse and prevent overdose deaths. 

Hawks Prairie Pharmacy in Lacey is participating in the Washington State Health Care Authority’s “Lock Up Your Meds” program.

Through June 30, the pharmacy is dispensing free locking medication bags and prescription locking bottles to individuals filling opioid prescriptions, including oxycodone and hydrocodone. 

Promoted as the first of its kind nationally, the campaign activates community-based dispensing sites to slow the state’s rising overdose mortality rate. Opioids were involved in 82 percent of drug-related deaths in Washington in 2023, according to the latest data of Washington State Department of Health. 

The Lacey pharmacy, one of 16 sites across the state selected for the pilot, began implementation in March, the Health Care Authority (HCA) said in a news release.

As of late April, pharmacists had issued 297 locking devices, conducted 143 safe storage consultations, and collected 70 signed pledges from patients committing to secure prescriptions inside their homes.

“Pharmacies play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and informed,” said Dr. Charissa Fotinos, HCA’s deputy chief medical officer, in a statement.

“We are grateful to all our local pharmacy partners for their commitment to educating residents about preventing opioid misuse and for promoting responsible medication use across Washington.” 

The program uses a behavior-change model developed by researcher Doug McKenzie-Mohr. It uses “point-of-dispensing interaction” and uses pledging as a method to improve follow through on safe storage practices. 

HCA data show “nearly half of people misusing pain relievers, including prescription opioids, get them from a friend or family member.” Yet, only 44 percent of surveyed residents statewide report locking medications inside their homes. 

As reflected in the Department of Health’s overdose dashboard, the crisis has extended into suburban and mid-sized jurisdictions, including Lacey. The agency also relayed that locking containers reduce diversion risk in homes with adolescents or frequent guests. 

Hawks Prairie Pharmacy’s participation falls under HCA’s "Starts with One" campaign. The move integrates local pharmacies into overdose prevention strategy without requiring new statutory authority. 

Patients may decline the device or the pledge. The locking devices are issued during a prescription handoff with a brief consultation, and are available while supplies last.  

Inventory may be replenished if resupply is authorized by the state. To explore campaign goals and campaign strategies, visit the official Start with One web page.