Fort Huachuca, Arizona - On September 26th the Army garrisons will once again participate in a national campaign and collect unwanted, unused prescription drugs. The National event which in the past had been celebrated in April and September, did not occur last April. This was because of a law that congress passed that directed the event to be left up to local organizers. The Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA) who had always been the organizers of the events and the final disposers of the drugs collected, were no longer taking a role and collections were not part of any national effort.
The event had been an initiative of the Drug Enforcement Administration, since 2010. It encouraged American citizens to turn in unused or expired prescribed medications at designated locations for proper disposal.
U.S. Army Installation Management Command, which is committed to a drug-free community always supported the national campaign. "At past events the Army garrisons collected over 48,000 pounds of unwanted, unused prescription drugs, so we are very pleased that our garrisons to include Alaska and Hawaii will once again participate in National Prescription Take-Back Day," said Pamela Budda, IMCOM Army Substance Abuse Program Chief.
Voters encouraged politicians to support returning the campaign to be planned at a national level, insuring conformity across communities. Garrisons will provide drop off locations for all Soldiers, Family members, Civilian employees and retirees to anonymously turn in medications or prescription drugs. IMCOM will take the lead for the Army and ensure garrisons' participation once again. The semi-annual 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 Budda. "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."
Each garrison's ASAP program manager will serve as the installation point of contact, and will provide additional information as requested.
For more information about the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day or to find a drop-off location, visit the DEA Web site at:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html or contact your local Army Substance Abuse Program representative.
Additionally, ASAP encourages everyone to visit It's a Thin Line for additional resources for dealing with prescription drug use, misuse and abuse at http://www.imcom.army.mil/ASAP/ArmyThinLine.aspx
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