FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Army installations across the U.S. are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and state and local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Sept. 27, 2014.
On that day, Fort Carson Soldiers, Families, civilian employees and retirees may drop off unused prescription medicine at the Exchange and the commissary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
U.S. Army Installation Management Command garrisons are committed to a drug-free community, and Fort Carson is one of many that takes part in the national take-back day. The event provides a safe, convenient and responsible means for disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for abuse.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Soldiers, Families and civilians to safely dispose of their medications," said Pamela Budda, IMCOM Army Substance Abuse Program chief in a release. "I encourage all of you to support your local National Prescription Take-Back Day collection site and turn in your unused and unwanted medications. Help us eliminate the risk of prescription drug abuse or accidental poisoning."
IMCOM garrisons have participated in seven such events, resulting in the collection and disposal of more than 32,000 pounds of prescription drugs.
At Fort Carson's most recent event in May, the post collected 100 pounds.
Susanne Watts, prevention coordinator for Fort Carson ASAP, said it's not uncommon for Soldiers' households to accumulate unused medication.
"When you think about it, when's the last time you checked your medicine cabinet?" she asked. "You move and you just kind of take stuff with you. So now, all of a sudden, you've got stuff from three duty stations ago."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that simply flushing prescription medication can harm the environment. Drugs poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet can pass through water treatment systems and enter rivers and lakes. They may flow downstream to serve as sources for community drinking water supplies. Proper medication disposal prevents the poisoning of children and pets; deters misuse by teenagers and adults; and avoids health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medicine, too much of the same medicine or medicine that is too old to work well.
The prescription take-back event cannot accept needles, medical sharps or liquids. Pills and patches are accepted. The event is anonymous with no questions asked. Medication does not have to be in its original container.
Per DEA rules, a military police officer will guard the drop-off boxes to ensure drugs are not removed from them.
Fort Carson is not the only area entity participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. More information about the event and other drop-off locations around the Colorado Springs area is available at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug(underscore)disposal.takeback/index.html. Additionally, ASAP encourages people to visit Army Thin Line at http://www.armythinline.org for more resources about dealing with prescription drug use, misuse and abuse.
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