Fort Campbell is scheduled to host their semi-annual Drug Take Back event Saturday, Sept. 26. Members of the Fort Campbell community are encouraged to dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Fort Campbell Main Post Exchange mall. The semi-annual Drug Take Back Day is a collaborative effort by Fort Campbell Military Police, Army Substance Abuse Program, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Pharmacy, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
During nationwide drug take back events last year, DEA officials collected 617,150 pounds 309 tons -- of unwanted medication. Coordinated collection sites across the country accepted all solid dosage forms of medicine, including prescription painkillers and controlled substance medications.
"People are always so thankful for these events, because it is a convenient way to discard medications without it ending up in our drinking water," Matthew Younger, manager of the prevention branch at Fort Campbell's Army Substance Abuse Program said. "During the event, you can also get information about how to properly dispose of medication without waiting for the next drug take back event."
The drug take back service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked, Younger said.
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Pharmacy Chief Lt. Col. Jeffrey Neigh encourages a high turnout for Saturday's event, but said there are some big changes on the horizon. He anticipates this semi-annual event to convert to permanent collection boxes at Fort Campbell, very similar to amnesty boxes at key locations in Montgomery County.
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