October is Talk About Your Medicines Month, a national observance that encourages individuals to have open conversations with healthcare providers and pharmacists about the medicines they take. These conversations help ensure medications are used safely, effectively, and as intended while reducing the risk of medication-related problems.
Many members of the EBCI community take prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements. Keeping an updated list of all medications and bringing it to medical appointments can help healthcare providers identify potential drug interactions, manage side effects, and ensure medications continue to meet your healthcare needs.
When discussing medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, consider asking:
- Why am I taking this medication?
- How and when should I take it?
- Are there any side effects I should watch for?
- Will it interact with my other medications, vitamins, or supplements?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How should I safely store and dispose of this medication?
Medication safety also means storing medications securely. Prescription drugs should be kept in a safe location, out of sight and out of reach of children, visitors, and anyone for whom the medication was not prescribed. Locking medications can help prevent accidental poisonings, misuse, and diversion of prescription drugs within the home.
Another important aspect of medication safety is proper disposal. Unused, expired, or unwanted medications should not be kept in medicine cabinets indefinitely. The EBCI community is encouraged to participate in Drug Take Back programs and medication disposal events whenever available. In addition, a secure medication drop box is available at The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and The Cherokee Justice Center (Tribal Court), providing a safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible option for year-round disposal of unwanted medications. Proper medication disposal helps protect individuals, families, and the community while preventing medications from entering the environment.
October is also recognized for Red Ribbon Week, observed annually from October 23–31. The campaign promotes drug-free lifestyles and encourages families, schools, and communities to work together to prevent substance misuse. Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity to have conversations with children, teens, and young adults about the dangers of misusing prescription medications and the importance of making healthy choices.
As we observe Talk About Your Medicines Month, Public Health encourages all EBCI community members to take an active role in medication safety. By talking with healthcare providers, we can work together to protect the health and well-being of our families and our community.
The mission of EBCI Public Health & Human Services is “HONORING our Cherokee community by PROVIDING excellent care, PROMOTING health, and SERVING in a culturally respectful way.” Visit our website at https://phhs.ebci-nsn.gov, and follow EBCI PHHS on Facebook (EBCI Public Health & Human Services Division), Instagram (@ebciphhs), and X (@ebciphhs).
