FORT LEE, Va. (April 23, 2015) -- Kenner Army Health Clinic will host two Prescription Drug Take Back Days, which are planned for April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and again on May 15, 1- 3 p.m. The collection point for both days will be the front circle of KAHC, on 24th Street.
All active duty military, reservists, family members, civilian employees, retirees and others can anonymously turn in prescription medication during the take-back drives.
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses one of America's deadliest hazards -- unused, unneeded or outdated medications found in bathroom cabinets, kitchens and bedside tables in nearly every home across the country.
"I believe the community finds value in the take-back programs we provide," said Capt. Zachary Leftwich, chief, pharmacy services, KAHC Excess, and expired medication can be a serious safety hazard, especially for families with children. Proper disposal of medication can help prevent fatal accidental ingestions, as well as medication mix-ups."
Abuse of prescription drugs -- particularly stimulants, such as those used to treat attention deficit disorder as well as pain relievers and depressants -- stands as the second leading cause of accidental death across the nation (marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug problem).
Prescription drug use has increased over the years in the military. About 17 percent of service members reported misusing prescription drugs, including stimulants (other than methamphetamine), tranquilizers/muscle relaxers, sedatives/barbiturates, pain relievers, anabolic steroids and erectile dysfunction drugs, according to the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors.
As in the civilian population, pain relievers were the most commonly misused/abused type of prescription drug across the military services and in the Army specifically. Leftwich said the abuse of opiates is becoming more prevalent across the Army as well. Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system, reduce pain and induce sleep. When misused, opiates can become deadly.
To help address this problem and foster safe and healthy military communities, the two take- back events encourage households to safely eliminate unneeded prescribed medications as part of their spring cleaning regime by turning them in for proper disposal.
"These two days are a prime opportunity to raise community awareness, educate the Army Family on the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and help make military installations a safer place to live and work," added Leftwich.
The clinic is coordinating the local drive, and law enforcement personnel from the Provost Marshal Office will be at the Kenner drop-off location as prescribed by DEA protocols.
For those unable to make it to a collection location, unused or expired medicines can be safely discarded by mixing them with kitty litter or used coffee grounds; placing the mixture in a sealed plastic bag; and throwing it in the household trash. The FDA recommends flushing as a means of disposal for a limited number of medications -- including OxyContin, Demerol and Percocet -- to prevent danger to people and pets in the home.
For more information, contact Leftwich at (804) 734-9141,
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